Philip Roy

illustrated by Andrea Torrey Balsara

Un ami pour Youpi is the third tale in the endearing French-language picture book series "Youpi, la souris dans ma poche." When Youpi declares he wants a pet - to pat and feed and take for walks - his friend Jean says that it's too much responsibility, that a pet needs lots of care and special attention. Not a mouse to give up easily, Youpi insists that his pet will be no more trouble than Mademoiselle Arcand's canary. But when Youpi's choice of pet turns out to have long furry legs, hooves and horns, Jean explains that you can't keep that kind of animal in the city. Youpi insists that they can simply hide it under a blanket. Offering a compromise, Jean suggests a "teddy-pet," to which, after some reflection, Youpi agrees. After bringing his new pet home and settling in happily for the night, Youpi suddenly declares that his pet requires a pet of her own. What sort of pet? Jean asks. Just a small one, Youpi assures him, with shiny black fur and a pretty white stripe.