I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this from Mr F after spotting it in a pub in Cromer.
The Sally Book of Pets was I believe the debut book by Sally, published in 1970. The book revolves around a series of chapters the majority told from the viewpoint of Sally and her take on the animals in question.
As well as having a chapter on each pet and its merits, we also get to see from the viewpoint of Winnie and her Wacky Zoo. In these chapters we learn about the consequences of introducing a new lion to the zoo which upsets Leo. Leo runs away, and straight into the middle of a bank robbery. Leo has to call on all his friends to help catch the culprits.
This was an excellent book that kept me gripped to the end. The writing was great, and the story flows well from Budgerigars, as the most popular pet in Great Britain in the 70’s through to Dolphins and Donkeys. The twists and turns keep you guessing and the ending was not one I saw coming. Whilst I always try to ensure I don’t give spoilers let’s just say it includes Kangeroos, and ‘The Stately Deer’.
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed this book, my only slight criticism is I do think that some of the story is a little unbelievable. For example Sally insists ‘that a young calf is a delightful animal and can make an affectionate pet’ I’m sure that cows do make great pets in the right circumstances (such as on a farm) I’m really not sure you want one in your house, curled up on the sofa. I do like the aspirational elements within the book though. For example Peacocks as pets, which are apparently only kept by those with a great deal of money. It’s nice to think that this might inspire children to give up their hamsters and rabbits and save up for a peacock.*
One of the great things with this book is the way it incorporates history into the story, with the stories of dogs such as Greyfriars Bobby and ducks that went to visit the Queen. There is even an appearance by the PG Tip chimps.
Thanks to Mr F for tracking down a copy online. The one in the pub had missing pages and I couldn’t wait to find out how it ended. The Sally Book of Pets is a superb book that I would heartily recommend to all.
*Just in case there is any confusion this is sarcasm, it’s not a suggestion that people really should keep peacocks, (or indeed any wild animal) as a pet or as entertainment.
*Just in case there is any confusion this is sarcasm, its not a suggestion that people really should keep peacocks, (or indeed any wild animal) as a pet or as entertainment.
Tuesday night was spent in Cromer. One of my main memories from my Cromer childhood was obviously crab fishing off the pier. Many a weekend and evening were spent hanging over the pier barriers dangling a length of orange baler twine into the sea with a piece of fish on the end. Inevitably either a scary seagull would swipe the fish before it hit the sea, or the hook would get caught on the pier, never to be retrieved again. This would lead to us being ushered home in disgust for loosing yet another piece of fishing equipment. Very occasionally the line would make it down to the sea and an actual crab would be stupid enough to think a piece of Iceland’s frozen fish would be a tasty snack. All eyes would then be on the Father as he slowly winched up the line with the crab dangling off. Just when our waiting bucket might actually see a crab in it, said crab would let go of the fish and wave at us all as he made his way back down to the sea.
A crime readers blog 