you when you whistle.Stick insectsThey look scary – and weird – and that’s why children love them. A cool choice of pet for older children, and although their appearance belies it (monster from outer space) they really are harmless and low maintenance

Many children are naturally drawn to animals from an early age. Introducing a pet not only teaches your child about how to care for something, but also teaches him about responsibility, too.• One of the most important things to remember is that your

is because she keeps running away from Fluffy.” Interestingly, the Victorians were the first to keep rabbits as children’s pets. What they made of all the sex is anyone’s guess.3 Being different is OK Here’s an important rabbit fact: their idea of fun

I Want A Pet by Lauren Child (Frances Lincoln, £5.99)Lauren Child's tale of an animal loving little girl and her not-so-keen family has typically witty rhetoric and inventive, sketchy illustrations. Children who find their demands for a menagerie

365 Penguins by Jean-Luc Fromental and Joelle Jolivet (Abrams, £9.95)Would your child like to have a pet penguin? How about 365? Discover the perils of keeping penguins as pets along with simple maths problems and cool monochrome illustrations

There's more than a hint of Christopher Robin charm about Belle and Boo, the delightful creations of Mandy Sutcliffe of the cutest little girl with an auburn bob, Belle, and her pet rabbit, Boo. This sweet tale tells of a birthday surprise

Dear Zoo by Rod CampbellThis classic, lift-the-flap book has been a favourite with toddlers for over 20 years. Little readers love joining in with the story of when, "I wrote to the zoo to send me a pet..." Now available as an award-winning Dear Zoo

Too much to do, too little time If everything is go, go, go in your house, then you need pets that don’t add to the general mayhem or add extra work to your already busy life. Fish, some reptiles and amphibians might be the right place to start

That Pesky Rat by Lauren Child (Orchard, £5.99)"That Pesky Rat lives alone in a dustbin, but is looking up at the stars, longing to be somebody's pet. A wonderful story about love and loneliness in the big city".Buy That Pesky Rat

Located near Datça on the beautiful Lycian Coast, the hotel has water sports and extensive gardens, as well as rabbits and ducks that children can pet. There are also trips to spot sea turtles and kingfishers. Exclusive Escapes offers return flights