My Favorite Book this Week...

  My favorite book this week is one I came across at last week's SCBWI Western WA meeting.  It is by  local author/illustrator, Paul Schmid who was at the meeting and did a signing afterward.  The picture book is called A Pet for Petunia and it is perfectly silly and sweet!  As Maurice Sendak quotes on the front, it is "A simple, beguiling story. Bravo!"  Petunia wants a pet, but not just any pet, she wants a skunk!  Paul perfectly captures the humor and naivete of a young girl who wants what she wants and she wants it now, and will do anything to get it.  Until she finally meets a skunk and his awful, horrible, humongous stink!  This book is sure to please young kids with its adorable illustrations and hilarious premise.  I can't wait to read it aloud at my next story time.  A Pet for Petunia is filled with childhood wonder and optimism, and is a joy to read.  Looking forward to more adventures with Petunia.