Sparky!

Written by: Jenny Offill and Christ Appelhans

First line: I wanted a pet.

Why you should read this book: Undeterred by her mother's insistence that she can only own a pet that doesn't need to be walked or bathed or fed, a little girl enlists the librarian's aid and settles on an animal that fits the bill. After her new sloth is delivered, the girl starts working out how to enjoy sloth companionship, but not everyone understand the appeal. After some fits and starts, the girl decides to accept her friend's limitations and love him as he is.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You actually raise sloths and know that they do need to be bathed and fed.