The Great Pet Heist (The Great Pet Heist #1)

by Emily Ecton (Author) David Mottram (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

Ocean's Eleven meets The Secret Life of Pets in this hilarious and delightfully illustrated novel following a ragtag group of pets who will do whatever it takes to avoid being sent to the pound.

Butterbean knew she wasn't always a good dog. Still, she'd never considered herself a BAD dog--until the morning that her owner, Mrs. Food, fell in the hallway. Admittedly the tile was slipperier than usual, mostly because Butterbean had just thrown up on it.

Now Butterbean and her fellow pets have to come up with a grand plan to support themselves in case Mrs. Food is unable to keep taking care of them. When they discover a mysterious man in their building who seems to have lots of loot, they plan a heist. Oscar the mynah bird is the brains of the operation. Walt the cat has the necessary slyness and slink. Marco and Polo are the reconnaissance rats. And Butterbean...well, no one would ever suspect a cute little wiener dog, right? Can these animal friends can pull off the heist of the century?

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Kirkus

Bantering dialogue, the distinct personalities of the pets (expressively illustrated by Mottram), and the whimsical premise make for an exciting caper.... Hilarious but haphazard. 

ALA/Booklist

It's amusing just to watch the merry band of misfit pets navigate the wide world of the eclectic high-rise apartment, but there's enough true suspense to keep the larger story moving. This classic caper may have young readers looking sideways at their own pets when the story is through.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6--This cute tale about five household pets in a New York City apartment revolves around their plan to pull off a heist and become "independently wealthy" after their owner is taken away for a medical emergency. Teaming up with ventilation system rats, a lonely girl, and a crafty octopus, they set their sights on a frightening neighbor and his stash of unusual coins. Ecton creates a strong personality for each animal, from the hyper dog Butterbean to the know-it-all bird Oscar, and pet lovers will be sure to enjoy the banter between them. Some plot elements involving the humans are a little less fleshed out and stretch plausibility, leading the book's resolution to feel rushed; but this will be easily overlooked by those who enjoy the pets' adventures. Adorable illustrations from Mottram help readers visualize the characters and add an appealing visual element. VERDICT A story sure to charm children who like to imagine what their beloved pets are up to when they are away. Purchase for fiction collections that serve patrons who enjoy animal-centric stories.--Katie McBride Moench, New Glarus Middle and High School Library, WI

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

 
Emily Ecton
Emily Ecton is the author of The Great Pet Heist series as well as a number of middle grade books published under the names Emily Ecton and Emily Fairlie. She is also a former writer and producer for Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me!, the Peabody Award­-winning comedy news quiz on NPR. She lives in Virginia, with Howdy, a dog who dreams of someday going to a supermarket. Visit her at EmilyEcton.com.

Dave Mottram is an illustrator living in Ohio who worked as a graphic designer for many years, which led him to pursue his passion for illustration. He paints traditionally and digitally with color and layers and line. He loves tacos, animals, tikis, and nerding out over art supplies. Visit him at DaveMottram.com.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781534455375
Lexile Measure
520
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication date
May 11, 2021
Series
The Great Pet Heist
BISAC categories
JUV019000 - Juvenile Fiction | Humorous Stories
JUV021000 - Juvenile Fiction | Law & Crime
JUV002190 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Pets
JUV028000 - Juvenile Fiction | Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories
Library of Congress categories
Humorous stories
Pets
Robbers and outlaws
Brigands and robbers

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