A Pet Named Sneaker

Starred review from November 12, 2012
Sneaker is a sad pet shop snake until bright-eyed, freckle-faced Pete adopts him. “Sneaker liked his new home,” writes Heilbroner (Robert the Rose Horse), as Lemaitre (Artist Ted) shows the new BFFs making the most of Pete’s imagination and Sneaker’s slithery gifts: “He had fun with Pete. He played I Am a Necktie, I am a Hat, and I Am Handcuffs.” From there, it’s one sweet, goofy thing after another, with the sunny, color-saturated drawings driving the action of Heilbroner’s first book in 20 years. Sneaker wins over Pete’s squeamish classmates and learns to read and write his name (his penmanship is impressive considering he holds the pencil in his tail). By the end of the story, Sneaker has even found meaningful work as a lifeguard at a local pool—proof positive that nice snakes finish first. Told with easygoing assurance, marvelous economy, and goodhearted humor by two pros, this Beginner Book should sneak its way into the heart of early readers. Or as Sneaker would say, “Yesssssssssssssssssss!” Ages 5–8. Agent: Julie Just, Janklow & Nesbit Associates. Illustrator’s agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties.

December 1, 2012
Sneaker the snake proves himself a lovable pet in this beginning reader. Initially, Sneaker languishes in the pet store while other animals leave with new owners. When Pete purchases Sneaker, the pair enjoy each other's company in a series of vignettes that mark the strongest point in the story. "He had fun with Pete. He played I Am a Necktie, I Am a Hat, and I Am Handcuffs," reads the controlled text, which is accompanied by pictures of Sneaker contorting himself into the various items. When Pete goes to school, Sneaker hides in his backpack and ends up starring as the boy's offering during show and tell. At first, Pete's classmates are leery, but then "a brave girl" picks Sneaker up, and he's suddenly a hit. Then, in an abrupt shift perhaps better suited to a separate book, Pete and Sneaker visit a pool. Sneaker is not welcomed there, either, since a sign reading "NO PETS" bars him from swimming, but all's well that ends well when Sneaker rescues a child who falls into the pool. The lifeguard asks Sneaker to be his "helper," and a closing scene shows the snake serving as lifeguard to a pool filled with pets of all stripes. Throughout, cartoonish illustrations reminiscent of Syd Hoff's beginning-reader artwork reinforce the text, providing context clues and humor. A worthy title for new readers. (Early reader. 5-7)

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January 1, 2013

PreS-Gr 1-Sneaker lives in a pet store and can't seem to find a home no matter how many visitors stop by. Apparently, no one wants to buy a snake, until a boy named Pete takes him home and plays with him and shares snacks and surprises. When Pete goes to school, Sneaker sneaks into his backpack and tags along. He's a big hit with the kids and proves to be a good student, going back day after day. As summer approaches, Pete takes his pet to the local pool where he ends up saving a little boy from drowning. Sneaker soon becomes a local hero and also gets a new career as the pool lifeguard. The vivid drawings and clear cartoon illustrations provide beginning readers with picture clues to help decode the story. A winning addition for most easy-reader collections.-Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2013
In this beginning reader, Pete's pet snake Sneaker is not only good for playing games like "I Am a Necktie" and "I Am Handcuffs" but is also smart and heroic. Cartoon art in bright oranges, blues, and greens with plenty of white space has a retro feel with modern sensibilities. The pictures provide clues to comprehending the text while adding characterization and fun.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)