My Pet Ferrets

Follows an eleven-year-old girl through the experience of choosing and caring for two pet ferrets; includes information about their physical characteristics, behaviors, health requirements, and associated costs.

When eleven-year-old Erin spots a furry pile of sleeping ferrets in a pet store, she knows right away that she wants a pair of ferrets of her own. Erin and her family investigate and find out that ferrets are part of the weasel family and that they are playful, curious, adorable, and make great pets. Erin learns where to get ferrets, how to prepare for her new pets' arrival, how to take good care of them, and how much fun life with ferrets can be.

Children's Literature

Erin Kelly, eleven-year-old ferret owner, narrates this photo-essay about ferrets as pets. The book is part of a series, "All about Pets" aimed at teaching youngsters to be responsible pet owners. Ferrets, it seems, are a good pet choice for people who have lots of time to play with their pets. Erin and her family do that, certainly, as the many colorful photographs reveal. Erin models responsible pet ownership in other ways, too. She researches the animal's lifestyle, habits, needs, relationships with humans and other household pets, and the cost of ownership before she even purchases her ferrets. Then, once she has bought the animals and all the housing, feeding, grooming, and health care aids they will need, she introduces them gradually to their new home and their new human and animal housemates. The whole tone of this book is informed, friendly, and respectful. Good traits for books about pets--and pet owners, themselves! 2001, Lerner Publications Company, Ages 8 to 16, $22.60. Reviewer: Judy Katsh—Children's Literature