The Tarantula in My Purse: and 172 Other Wild Pets

From bestselling nature writer and Newbery Medal winner Jean Craighead George comes an autobiographical story about how wild it can be living in a house full of animal fans.

Imagine living with a skunk in your closet, a bat in your refrigerator, and a tarantula in your purse!

In this hilarious autobiographical account, Newbery Medal–winning author and acclaimed naturalist Jean Craighead George describes her adventures in a house full of wildlife enthusiasts—and the amazing animals themselves.

| 1 Screech Owl
6 Ducklings
1 Weasel
1 Toad
3 Crows
1 Raccoon
3 Salamanders
1 Goose
7 Sunfish
1 Skunk
1 Tarantula

And that's just the beginning of the list'Jean Craighead George has counted at least 173 wild pets that became part of the family as she raised her three children. As the Georges cared for this wildly varied assortment of animals, their stories made their ways into the books that Jean was writing, many of which have become children's classics.

Humorous, heart-warming, and just plain entertaining, these stories by Newbery Medalist Jean Craighead George recall what life was like as she raised three children and 173 wild pets. On any given day there might be a bat in the refrigerator, an owl in the shower, or a crow at the kitchen table. Jean Craighead George’s respect for nature and its many creatures is evident in all of her writing. Here, she offers a personal, firsthand account of the many animals that made their way into her life and her books.

1996 ‘Pick of the Lists’ (ABA)
1996 Children’s Books (NY Public Library)

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“A one of-a-kind lesson in living with nature. Endearingly told.” - Publishers Weekly

“Narrated with humor and warmth.” - Kirkus Reviews

“These brief, amusing vignettes make wonderful read-alouds to share with the whole family.” - School Library Journal