I Want a Cat — Darcy Pattison

Hurrah for Essays! All English composition writing lessons should be this much fun.

When cousins Dennis and Mellie decide to get a cat, they consider carefully what breed would be best for each family. For example, Mellie wants a cat that pounces, but Dennis wants a lazy cat, like his lazy dog, Clark Kent. Mellie wants a lap cat, but Dennis just wants a warm body BESIDE him. They consider different dog personalities, family situations, and personal preferences.

Mellie writes an opinion essay for her teacher, Mr. Eagle. But will her essay convince his parents to get the dog of his dreams? Will her arguments work?

This story takes a popular subject -- kids getting a pet -- and adds cats of all sizes and shapes: all writing lessons should be this much fun. In the end, it's cousins and the dogs that keep a reader turning the page. What kind of cat will Dennis choose? Will Mellie want the same kind of cat?