Monday, November 28, 2016

LIZARD FROM THE PARK by Mark Pett / Book Review #picturebookmonth


Written and Illustrated by: Mark Pett
Published by: Simon & Schuster
Released on: September 8th, 2015
Ages: 4 & up
Rating: 5 Owlets 
Purchase from: Simon & Schuster | Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
A copy of this book was provided from the publisher in exchange for my honest review

A lonely boy’s new pet grows into a rather large dilemma—and a Thanksgiving parade offers an uplifting solution—in this charming tale from the author of The Boy and the Airplane and The Girl and the Bicycle.

When Leonard takes a shortcut through the park, he finds an egg and takes it home, where it hatches into a lizard (or so Leonard thinks). Leonard names his new pet Buster and takes him all around the city: on the subway, to the library, to a baseball game, and more.

But Buster keeps growing and growing—and Leonard gets the sense that Buster is longing for something Leonard can’t provide.

Before long, Buster becomes too big to keep, and Leonard realizes he needs to set Buster free. So Leonard comes up with an inventive plan, one that involves all the balloons Leonard can find and the annual Thanksgiving parade, in an imaginative plot twist that will spark readers’ imaginations—and touch their hearts.


This is a delightful picture book to read, and one worth owning! It's a fantastic read aloud that is sure to be enjoyed over and over again. With it's wonderful illustrations, this book is one that pays an ode to friendship, imagination, and NYC. The richly detailed illustrations alone, will make you feel as though Leonard is taking you on your own personal exploration of the city. By the time this book is over, you'll feel like you gained a new friendship with Leonard, and his pet Buster. We loved this book, and have read it many times since adding to our shelves. 

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~