Paul T. Gilbert: Bertram and His Funny Animals

Little Bertram, he’s always bringing home the most extraordinary pets, usually after asking his mamma for permission first, of course. But who ever heard of cutting holes in the ceiling for a giraffe? Or running from a dangerously ticklish rhinoceros? If only Bertram would bring home a dog or a cat or even a turtle instead, he might not find himself in such predicaments. And his mamma—my, is she ever frazzled! Author Paul T. Gilbert, who happened to have a son just like Bertram, first imagined these pet-ownership mishaps as bedtime stories. Bertram and His Funny Animals became a book in 1934. Now it’s back in this new edition, and this time a troublesome camel joins the original’s mischievous menagerie! Children will love Bertram’s cackle-inducing dilemmas and the sweet drawings by Minnie Rousseff, and parents will delight in tales filled with the charming foibles of childhood. Assisting Bertram in his misadventures are his well-behaved little brother, Baby Sam, and friends Ginny and George. Aunt Ella and Great-Aunt Jane reliably offer their disapproval. Neighbor Mrs. Cree is appropriately nosy. Bertram’s mamma, well, she means well. And Bertram’s daddy always manages to save the day (that is, when he gets back from business in Omaha).

Minnie Rousseff