Can I Keep It?

PreS-Gr 1–A boy is on a quest to find a new pet. He proposes different pets to his mother while asking her if he can keep each one. His mother informs her son how each animal prefers to live. The boy finds ways to imitate the lifestyle of different animals in his own childlike way. Repetition is a key element of this book. The boy repeats the question “Can I keep it?” and the mother responds by repeating a question as well, which gives the text a rhythmic quality. It also captures readers’ attention and aids in spurring curiosity over what potential pet will be shown next. Sounds are emphasized using large and attention-grabbing font. There is a heavy use of white space, which helps focus viewer attention on the action. The artwork weaves together a diverse array of textures, creating the illusion of a three-dimensional quality. The illustrations use humor to show how the boy acquires each animal, which is not included in the narrative’s dialogue. These contradictions add a comedic touch to the book.