Reviewed by Sarah Stuart for Readers' Favorite

Clara and Mr. Milo’s Adventures by Clara Donis-Girma is a picture book that opens by describing a little girl called Clara and how much she longs for a pet of her own. It’s divided into sections – Clara convincing Mommy she is responsible and can look after a pet, choosing a kitten at a rescue center, shopping with Mommy for everything a little cat would need, collecting her pet, traveling home, deciding on a name, Mr. Milo’s first day, a visit to the vet, and Clara’s sixth birthday when Mr. Milo meets all her friends. Every page is beautifully illustrated by Lana Lee in an appealing cartoon style, and the details of the steps involved in adopting an animal from a rescue center are clear and told in a manner sure to interest youngsters.

I loved the way Clara and Mr. Milo’s Adventures begins with a wish and ends with a celebration. I shall avoid including a spoiler for the lucky adults who buy this gorgeous book and get to read it. Suffice to say it made me laugh. There is plenty of detail in every picture to amuse younger children while a grown-up reads aloud, and the words are clear. Repeated readings would encourage them to follow and learn, and that is a bonus! The vital message is that while rescuing an animal is a wonderful idea, it means caring for it when you’d rather be doing something else. Clara Donis-Girma has created a gem of a picture book that will be treasured by families for generations.