Beatrice and Barb, the debut picture book by Kate Jenks Landry is a sweet story about an unusual pet, illustrated by Vivian Mineker.

Beatrice has always wanted a pet. She works up the courage to ask her mom for one but is rebuked at every turn until they reach a compromise. Enter Barb, the Venus Flytrap. When Barb starts to wilt Beatrice doesn’t know what to do until she meets Millicent who helps her nurse her best friend back to health.

Kate Jenks Landry has created the sweetest little story that will resonate with many readers. Many families are not prepared for the commitment of a pet. No matter the animal, they are a big responsibility. I love how Kate shows readers that even if they can’t get an animal as a pet, there are other live things, like plants, that can satisfy the need to nurture while also perhaps preparing them for a day when an animal pet is in the cards.

Although a work of fiction, Kate shares lots of great information about the care and keeping of a very specific kind of plant, the Venus Flytrap. I wouldn’t be surprised if after enjoying this story, your reader is suddenly interested in this plant and you may have your very own Barb on your hands. There is a beautiful reminder in the story that to care and nurture a living thing, they must get what they need, when they need it. There is not a one size fits all solution to a problem.

Vivian Mineker’s illustrations are bubblegum perfect. The pages bubble to life with colour and interest. I love all of the different pictures of various pets that can be found throughout the pages, making for a fun little scavenger hunt for readers.