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A review by annamolpus
The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole by Michelle Cuevas
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Since my kids gravitate towards graphic novels, we choose chapter books for me to read them occasionally at bedtime. This way, I don't hassle them about the books they choose to read themselves but I still get to expose them to some of my childhood favorites (Judy Blume, From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, etc.) and we're also making our way through the Harry Potter books together.
Occasionally we choose a well-reviewed contemporary children's book and we're all going in blind. The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole turned out to be such a pleasant surprise!
Set in the 1970s, it's the story of an 11-year-old girl whose father has recently died. When she befriends a sentient black hole (just go with it) she experiments with using her new pet to erase everyday items from her life, including brussels sprouts and ugly sweaters - but also items that trigger painful memories of her dad. Things get a little out of hand and hijinks ensue.
This book is so clever and creative. It's hilarious - my kids were constantly laughing as we read. It's also a deeply moving story about grieving. I was bawling by the end (which made it difficult to read aloud!). It gave me all the feels and it's so worth it. Highly recommend!!
Occasionally we choose a well-reviewed contemporary children's book and we're all going in blind. The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole turned out to be such a pleasant surprise!
Set in the 1970s, it's the story of an 11-year-old girl whose father has recently died. When she befriends a sentient black hole (just go with it) she experiments with using her new pet to erase everyday items from her life, including brussels sprouts and ugly sweaters - but also items that trigger painful memories of her dad. Things get a little out of hand and hijinks ensue.
This book is so clever and creative. It's hilarious - my kids were constantly laughing as we read. It's also a deeply moving story about grieving. I was bawling by the end (which made it difficult to read aloud!). It gave me all the feels and it's so worth it. Highly recommend!!