“Gator, Gator, Second Grader (Classroom Pet…Or Not?) addresses a concern that many animal educators now face in today’s growing pet trade: what is a good pet and what is NOT? It is important for kids to learn from those of us who have been there. When I was a kid, I loved so many different spe... more

“Gator, Gator, Second Grader (Classroom Pet…Or Not?) addresses a concern that many animal educators now face in today’s growing pet trade: what is a good pet and what is NOT? It is important for kids to learn from those of us who have been there. When I was a kid, I loved so many different species of animals and I begged for dozens to have as pets—from alligators and tokay geckos to creatures as crazy as wolverines and badgers—I used to beg my mom for them all! Thankfully, she would find a plush or rubber animal for me to care for instead but the fact remains that kids love animals and do not think about the challenges of keeping them as pets! Wild animals—from gators to bears—belong in the wild, plain and simple. But, kids don't always understand that. What's amazing about Gator, Gator, Second Grader is that it not only tells an entertaining story about kids and an alligator, it also explains why this reptile among others do not make good pets and suggests some animals that do make good household companions. As a kid, being told ‘No!’ is heartbreaking. However, being told ‘No, but here is another option...’ is brilliantly awesome! I think what really captivated me about reading this book, aside from the amusing story and beautiful illustrations, was the addition of animal facts, questions, and educational lessons provided at the end of the book which allows both parents and teachers to engage and educate the next generation of animal lovers. I hope that Conrad J. Storad and Five Star Publications, Inc. have other books like this one on deck because not only is there a wild world of possibilities to be covered, there are also countless young, animal-enthusiasts to inspire with this style of education!” — Coyote Peterson, host of Breaking Trail