A funny and unique back-to-school book.

Arlo is jealous of other classrooms in the school, which have a cockatiel, a chinchilla, and a bearded dragon, whereas Arlo's classroom has a plant. Arlo's class takes turns watering the plant, which isn't nearly exciting as caring for an actual pet. Their teacher disagrees, but Arlo "wishes for someone to hold and whisper secrets to and love." The turning point comes when Arlo suggests the class name their plant, and suddenly "Jerry" is more exciting. The kids begin to learn more about Jerry, who is a spider plant, and at the end of the school year, each student gets to take one of Jerry's babies (spiderettes) home.

When next year's teacher, "Ms. No-Nonsense (not her real name)" has a rock as a class pet, Arlo remembers how Mr. Smart's plant became more interesting once they named it. "Brenda? Is that you?"

Back matter: So You're Ready to Raise a Plant of Your Own... ( )