I Wanna Iguana

I Wanna Iguana
Written by Karen Kaufman Orloff and Illustrated by David Catrow
Publisher: Putnam
2004
Grade:K-2
Themes: pets, responsibility and humor

Summary: Alex wants a pet more than anything! He doesn't want a cat, dog or a bird. He wants an iguana. He writes letters to his mom explaining all the reasons why an iguana is the perfect pet for him. She writes letters back explaining why one isn't, but Alex doesn't give up trying to convince his mom to let him have an iguana. Alex eventually gets his wish.

Reflection: This is a funny book written from both Alex's and his mom's point of view. Children will definitely be able to relate to Alex begging his mom to get a pet and her needing a lot of convincing that he will take care of his pet. The pictures are very funny. My favorite illustration was the six foot iguana laying in bed reading the newspaper.

Pre-Reading: We will do a picture walk through the book and I will talk to the children about the letter's that Alex is writing to his mother and the letters she is writing back to him.

Post-Reading: I will teach children about the parts of a letter. The greeting, body, closing and P.S. We will look at a letter and label it correctly. The children will then be assigned a pen pal from another class and they will write letters back and forth to each other.

About the Author:

Karen Kaufman Orloff dreamt of writing novels when she was a little girl, but later decided to write children's books. She loves writing for children. She says, "They are my best audience," She lives with her husband, two kids, an iguana and guinea pig.