The ingenious author of 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore and the brilliant illustrator and production designer of the movie Coraline have created a hilarious and heartwarming picture book, perfect for young animal lovers. Like the Caldecott Medal winners Officer Buckle and Gloria, Sparky features a pet who has more to offer than meets the eye. When our narrator orders a sloth by mail, the creature that arrives is not good for tricks or hide-and-seek... or almost anything. Still, there's something about Sparky that's irresistible.

Winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award.

Author: Jenny Offill

Recommended age: 4 to 8 years.