Arlo isn’t alone among his classmates in feeling disappointed. While other classrooms have pets, his class has a plant. “A mostly green, hardly growing, never moving plant.” While kids in other rooms take turns cradling and caring for animals, Arlo’s class takes turns watering. “Sometimes they forget, because it doesn’t squeak or whistly or whimper. It’s just a plant.” Arlo’s teacher, seemingly oblivious to their disdain, suggests they name the plant Jerry. Suddenly the plant is no longer just a plant. It’s Jerry, and everyone has ideas about how to take care of him. They learn that Jerry is a spider plant, and that too much water can kill him. “And—this is unbelievable—Jerry makes little baby Jerrys. They’re called spiderettes! You can cut them off and they’ll turn into who whole new plants.” Arlo even thinks he can hear Jerry breathe … or maybe it’s more of a whisper. A droll and surprisingly tender picture book takes turn after unpredictable turn as Arlo and his classmates’ attitude toward Jerry transforms over the course of the school year from disinterested to dynamic appreciation. The superb text is paired with blithe digital illustrations that capture the energy and diversity of a contemporary classroom and show both Arlo and his teacher as brown-skinned. (Ages 4-8)

An irresistible picture book about a boy and his classmates who long for a class pet, but discover the joys and rewards of nurturing a class plant.

Room 107 has a cockatiel. Room 108 has a chinchilla. Even the Art Room has a bearded dragon. But in Room 109, Arlo's classroom, there is a plant. A mostly green, hardly growing, never moving plant. Even though it doesn't squeak, whistle, or whimper, Arlo’s teacher says the plant is “more than enough excitement for us.” But what could possibly be exciting about a plant?

One day, Arlo decides to name the plant Jerry. Something about naming the plant makes it more exciting. As the class learns to take care of Jerry, he starts to grow . . . greener and longer and twistier. And before long it's clear that something amazing has taken root in Arlo's classroom.