Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Their search for something "soft" and "waggy" turns Mr. and Mrs. Gargleson-Bittle's house into a menagerie.The darling couple with love and a home to share "want…something a little bit lick-your-face-play-fetch-roll-over-rub-its-belly-and-chase-its-tail." They start with a snail they name Gordon. But Gordon isn't quite waggy enough, so on they go looking for just the right thing, acquiring an elephant, a whale, an octopus, and a wombat, among many other animals. Finally, they find just the right fluffy, waggy, lick-y sort of creature. Bates' illustrations are absolute perfection. Each scratch of colored pencil is expertly used, adding shadow, a glowing warmth, and texture. The title page, depicting a framed portrait of the protagonists, each sporting a yellow flower, makes clear from the start that Mr. and Mrs. Gargleson-Bittle are a quirky, loving, and expressive pair. Everything from their gloom to their joy is believable and apparent. All the creatures they welcome into their home are equally dynamic: the snail curled up in a bassinet, the octopus with its multitasking tentacles, even the disgruntled cat who refuses to fetch. Bates has created two characters whose "the more, the merrier" attitude makes for a deeply loving home where everyone belongs. The gorgeous illustrations and lovely storyline make this an instant classic. Mrs. Gargleson-Bittle is brown-skinned; Mr. Gargleson-Bittle is light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A feel-good read deserving of a permanent home on bookshelves. (Picture book. 4-7)

School Library Journal Starred Review (Sun Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

PreS-Gr 2— Although happy and content, the Gargleson-Bittles couple knows that this quiet home is missing something. And waffles for breakfast, although delicious, are not quite what they need. Something "lick-your-face-play-fetch-roll-over-rub-its-belly-and-chase-its-tail" sounds like just the thing. Playful, radiant colored pencil illustrations show this loving couple's path to their ideal companion. Snails, whales, a grumpy cat, an aardvark, rabbits, seals, and many, many others are welcomed, each bringing joy and a special talent. At last, just the right creature arrives to add to the happiness of this very unique and loving family. Young children (and their adult companions) will be captivated by the warmth offered in this lovely work. VERDICT Highly recommended for picture book collections, this fun-filled rumpus will delight young children and leave everyone in a glow.— Eva Elisabeth VonAncken

ALA Booklist (Mon Nov 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Mr. and Mrs. Gargleson-Bittle are a sweet couple with a large, empty house. When the text says, "They both wanted something a little bit lick-your-face-play-fetch-roll-over-rub-its-belly-and-chase-its-tail," readers may think it's a dog. In an amusing subversion, however, the Gargleson-Bittles get a snail. They love Gordon the snail. He is soft, but they still want something waggy. The solution? An elephant. And so it goes, each page adding unusual pets until they have assembled an aardvark, a whale, a cat, two goldfish, three hedgehogs, a giant panda, two seals, an orangutan, an armadillo, and many more. Soft colored-pencil illustrations humorously depict the animals' attempts at fetch. Several are surprisingly good at rolling over, barking, going on walks, and digging holes. Children will enjoy feeling they know exactly what the Gargleson-Bittles need and will be satisfied when a furry creature the couple names Waffles finally arrives. While the opening endpapers depict empty rooms in the large house, the ending scenes show the same home full of energetic animals, all of whom were given a warm welcome.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Their search for something "soft" and "waggy" turns Mr. and Mrs. Gargleson-Bittle's house into a menagerie.The darling couple with love and a home to share "want…something a little bit lick-your-face-play-fetch-roll-over-rub-its-belly-and-chase-its-tail." They start with a snail they name Gordon. But Gordon isn't quite waggy enough, so on they go looking for just the right thing, acquiring an elephant, a whale, an octopus, and a wombat, among many other animals. Finally, they find just the right fluffy, waggy, lick-y sort of creature. Bates' illustrations are absolute perfection. Each scratch of colored pencil is expertly used, adding shadow, a glowing warmth, and texture. The title page, depicting a framed portrait of the protagonists, each sporting a yellow flower, makes clear from the start that Mr. and Mrs. Gargleson-Bittle are a quirky, loving, and expressive pair. Everything from their gloom to their joy is believable and apparent. All the creatures they welcome into their home are equally dynamic: the snail curled up in a bassinet, the octopus with its multitasking tentacles, even the disgruntled cat who refuses to fetch. Bates has created two characters whose "the more, the merrier" attitude makes for a deeply loving home where everyone belongs. The gorgeous illustrations and lovely storyline make this an instant classic. Mrs. Gargleson-Bittle is brown-skinned; Mr. Gargleson-Bittle is light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A feel-good read deserving of a permanent home on bookshelves. (Picture book. 4-7)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Bates (Joey) introduces the Gargleson-Bittles, lone denizens of a sprawling house who feel that something’s missing from their lives. Fair-skinned Mr. Gargleson is built like a quarterback, and spouse Ms. Bittle, portrayed with brown skin, sports overalls. It’s clear what they’re longing for: “They both wanted something a little bit lick-your-face-play-fetch-roll-over.” Naturally, they get a snail, named Gordon, whom “they admired as they watched it make its way across the table.” Now desiring something “more waggy,” they next get an elephant named Louis. And in search of something more “lick-your-face,” they obtain an aardvark called Sam and a whale named Eugene. Eugene quickly hits it off with Gordon, and the menagerie keeps growing. Gentle colored pencil hatching; stylish, angular figures; and extensive images of the couple’s many rooms (including a theater and a pool) lend a sense of order to the story’s mayhem. Though the joke centers on the couple’s inability to land on the right pet, readers will be just as entertained by the animals’ scene-stealing friendships and activities. Ages 4–8. Agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt. (Sept.)