“Can I play with a friend, Mom? asked Peter.

“Yes, of course!” said Peter’s mother

“Hi Sandy,” said Peter “Can you play?”

“No, I can’t. I’m giving my dog a bath” said Sandy

“Hi David,” said Peter. “Can you play?”

“No, I can’t. I am cleaning my bird cage,” said David.

“Hi Alex,” said Peter. “Can you play?”

“No, I can’t. My cat just had kittens!” said Alex.

“Hi Rachel,” Said Peter. “Can you play?”

“No, I can’t. I am washing my fish bowl!

Let’s play tomorrow,” said Rachel.

“Why are you sad, Peter?” asked mother.

“My friends can’t play. They are busy with their pets. I don’t have a
pet!” said Peter.

“Let’s go for a walk,” said mother.

“Hello,” said Mr. Smith, the pet shop owner.

“Why do you look so sad?” he asked Peter.

“All my friends have pets.

Sandy has a dog.

David has two birds.

Alex has a cat and kittens.

Rachel has goldfish.

I want a pet, too!” said Peter.

Peter looked at the animals in Mr. Smith’s store.

He saw turtles and a little gray mouse.

He saw a long green snake.

He even saw a monkey!

Suddenly a loud voice said, ”Let’s talk!”

Peter looked up and down and all around.

He only saw the animals, his mother, and Mr. Smith!

They were not talking.

“He said, ‘Let’s talk’?” asked Peter.

Mr. Smith smiled.

“That is my parrot. His name is Paco,” he said

“I need someone to help me clean the cages and feed the animals.

Can you help me, Peter?” asked Mr. Smith.

“Clean the cage! Feed the animals,” said Paco.

“Oh yes, Mr. Smith. I can help you! I can come on Saturday.

I can work hard’ said Peter.

“And the best of all…