Zeke Meeks vs the Pain-in-the-Neck Pets

Reach for this book when your child is begging for a puppy but has not yet grasped that animals require more than just cuddles. It is the perfect reality check for the 'I promise I will take care of it' phase of childhood. Zeke Meeks is tired of being the only kid in the third grade without a cool pet, but when he finally gets his wish, he discovers that pets are messy, expensive, and sometimes a total pain in the neck. Through Zeke's humorous trials, children learn about the weight of responsibility and the reality of chores. The story uses relatable humor to address feelings of jealousy and the frustration that comes when expectations do not match reality. It is an accessible, fast-paced read for elementary students that opens the door for honest family conversations about the commitment involved in bringing a new member into the home.