Sparky!

Sparky isn't what you'd call a typical pet. He doesn't roll over or 'fetch' but he is very good at statues and playing dead and, most importantly, he fits mother's strict criteria of not needing to be walked or bathed or fed.

When a competitive friend is dismissive of Sparky and his talents, a hastily arranged 'Trained Sloth Extravaganza' is planned but neither the training nor the show itself go too well and in the end Sparky's owner has to admit that he's best at just being himself.

With simple, expressive text and dynamic illustrations providing wonderful contrast to the apathy of its main subject, this picture book is not only refreshingly original but also very, very funny.