I decided to give this one a go because I am a big fan of Russell Kane's podcast Evil Genius. I had no idea he was also a pet enthusiast and I knew I just had to check this out.

Now I am no expert, so I cannot verify any of the claims made herein. However, the art and the humor of this book shine. If I had had this when I was a kid, I can only imagine that the spine would have given way after so much use, leaving the pages fluttering in the breeze. If you've got a young one looking for a pet (or perhaps just a fan of cats and dogs) you can't pass this one up. The artwork is so warm and cozy and the humor provides plenty of entertainment for every member of the family.

Pet Selector! is a fun informational book about many different dog breeds. This would be a great book for dog lovers and dog obsessed youth. Each section breaks down key facts about the dogs, with cutesy illustrations that show the personalities of these dogs. A few pages had some technical errors, but overall this will be fun for any reader thinking about getting a new dog.

I requested this book from Netgalley because my son adores animals and loves to learn more about all of them. We loved the drawings and how the infos about each breed of cats and dogs we're written.

We are very happy that Staffordshire bull terriers made the list. They are hands down the best dogs ever.

This is such a cute little encyclopedia of pets! I loved the layout and art for each pet. The rating system was adorable and made things really simple, I’m sure kids will love to find the pet that suits them the most. My favourite part of this book was definitely the historical facts included, I loved learning new things!

I really think this could be a helpful book for my students that are looking for a pet and encouraging them to make a thoughtful decision. I love the scales - especially the "lovingness" category. I do wish there was a bit more information on rescuing and how not going through breeders etc can help us with the pet overpopulation. It would have been nice to have had more information about overpopulation, spaying neutering and being a responsible pet owner.

This book is not what I expected. I thought it would cover a wider range of pets but mainly focused on dogs and cats. The artwork throughout was very fun and interesting. There was multiple dog and cat breeds selected and it was in the format of an overview, personality of that breed, history and then a fun scoring part. The scoring rated them on intelligence, playfulness, neediness, outdoor skills and lovingness. The book only briefly touched on rabbits, rodents, insects, budgies and reptiles

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.


I was very excited about this book until I came across information that I knew was false as I work with Rabbits at our local Humane Society.

Domesticated rabbits can easily live up to 12 years. This one piece of wrong,yet easy to look up, piece of information made me doubt the rest of the book.

Well, considering how many stand-ups have decided to have a sideline as children's author, there has to be a maverick in the bunch. I didn't expect it in quite this fashion, mind. Here, Russell Kane "presents" (and I think writes, before you start to question the credit) a junior non-fiction, which acts as a sort of pet choosing guide. It's not a pet welfare guide, or advice column, and thankfully it's not full of pester power rubbish to encourage a child to make impossible demands for pet ownership on their impoverished parents, as that would have gone straight down the dumper. But is it any good?

Well, I can't for one minute say it's essential. There's a lot of friendly warm-up – not crowd work as such, but certainly amiable introduction, about what pet to choose, Russell's pets of old, and how temperament is key, before we launch into the feline world. Here there are about twenty breeds of moggie, all with two pages – a photo, a bit about their origins, a fair bit about their behaviour and character so as to match the cat with the owner's needs, a score chart tally as if you're playing Top Trumps, and lots of colourful cartoons. There is then a similar chunk featuring dogs, and then a round-up of other potential household critters to close.

The pluses include the personable approach – this is certainly not the dry pet encyclopaedia, however useful such volumes are. I like the fact it foregrounds the natural, er, nature of the animal, so there's less chance of housing something not suited to you, and less chance of you wanting to make any beast something they're not. But it's still flawed – right from the off the young reader is reaching for a definition for 'temperament', and 'sorrel' in the colouring of the first cat here. It still demands another book or two about care even if this aids in your picking a breed. And people trying to rehouse the countless mongrels and mixed breeds of this world will hate the concentration here on purebreds, with the smallest of acknowledgement of the existence of anything else.

All told, this is certainly no disaster. But relying on a stand-up, however strong his wordsmithery and ability to sit and research for his hours of idleness each day, to learn about pets is probably akin to hoping for a ten minute set of crackers from the vet. It's as good as you could rightfully expect it to be, but in hard-up times, is that good enough?

As a dog lover, this was the perfect book for me! I loved the humorous takes on the mist popular breeds, but also appreciated the sensible warnings about each breed too. Loved the personal notes throughout on Russels pets.

Book Review: Pet Selector! by Russell Kane & Erica Salcedo

Rating: 4 Stars

As someone who has always been a little obsessed with pets, I was thrilled to dive into Pet Selector! by Russell Kane and beautifully illustrated by Erica Salcedo. This book is like having a hilarious friend guide you through the chaotic world of pet selection, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

In Pet Selector!, comedian Russell Kane lends his comedic genius to the often serious task of choosing a pet. The book is packed with personality insights on a variety of animals—from the usual cats and dogs to the more unusual choices like stick insects! Russell emphasizes the importance of personality when selecting a pet, sharing his belief that understanding these quirky characters can make all the difference in finding your perfect furry (or scaly) companion.

What I found particularly delightful were the anecdotes and personal stories sprinkled throughout the book, including nods to Russell's own stinky pug, Colin. It made the reading experience feel even more intimate and relatable. The entries provide a comprehensive overview of each breed's temperament, history, and even include a helpful scoring system for traits like playfulness and affection.

I genuinely enjoyed going through this book, and I’m happy to report that my daughter did too! We had a blast flipping through the pages, laughing at the witty descriptions while also learning some valuable insights about various dog and cat breeds. The rating system for each animal was an added bonus, making it easier to compare potential pets based on their traits. And let’s not forget those adorable illustrations—they were a perfect complement to the text!

Overall, Pet Selector! is not just a practical resource for anyone looking to adopt a pet; it's also an entertaining read for animal lovers of all ages. Russell Kane's humor shines through every page, making you both chuckle and appreciate your current or future pets even more. If you're considering adding a new member to your family or simply want to know more about our furry (and scaly) friends, this book is a must-read!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

The art is adorable and the information given interesting. The problem however is, that basically all of the pictures are very unclean / pixelated. This is the case both in the pdf, as well as the NetGalley app.

A wonderful educational & personal book for older kids on picking a furry friend. The author includes a bunch of lighthearted jokes, which I thought was cute, also great knowledge of the history of each breed. The illustrations were fantastic.

Okay I actually love the idea of this book! I can imagine an animal obsessed kid keeping a copy and going through and circling all the pets they want! The rating system is so cool as well and gives a great overview, and I love when a book is education for adults too!

Amazing book filled with all the pet information one might need!
It's an incredible resource that is beautifully illustrated, filled with humour and so much fun.

Wonderful book about all kinds of pets, the different breeds and everything you want to know before deciding on a pet. The book is written in a very easy way and with lots of humor. I really liked reading it and even though it is classified as a children’s fiction book I think this is a wonderful book for adults too if you’re deciding on getting a pet and choosing which one to get.

Besides that the artwork was very on point. I loved it all! Only thing I missed in the book obviously was a chapter on beagles, but ofcourse I am biased in that opinion because of Lucky 🐶 But who knows, maybe in another volume 🤷🏻‍♀️😏

Thank you Quarto Publishing Group for a copy of Pet Selector!

"Russell knows loads about pets, as he’s got four of his own. And he believes that when choosing a pet, personality is the most important thing! Pet Selector! is both a practical guide to finding a pet and a hugely entertaining account of pet personalities from one of the BIGGEST animal lovers out there."

I was so amazed by this book! I think I had low expectations because the marketing made it seem like a "funny/joke" book but it is not at all! It is so incredibly informative in a readable and fun tone, plus the art, THE ART is amazing. I'd buy this book just for the illustrations.

I love this book. It is so informative and the content is absolutely fun. My only complaint is that I have 2 Exotic Shorthair masters at home, would have loved to read more about them.

This book was so fun. It is informative, colorful, and funny. Russell Kane gives an overview, personality breakdown, and history of each breed, along with a breed score card. The book is broken down by cats, dogs, and "other pets". I wasn't expecting such a variety of cat breeds, which was a nice change from all of the dog breeds that are dropped daily in every day conversations. Overall a fun book for a family who is ready to dive in for a new furry family member.

This is a gorgeous book just to sit and look through. Even kids who aren't getting a new pet will enjoy using this to learn about different pet breeds and see how their other animals match up.

The illustrations are gorgeous, and I'm glad that they supplemented those with a photograph at the beginning of each segment.

More unique or exotic animals would've been nice.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I will purchase for my library.

‘Pet Selector’ by Russell Kane is a cute and informative nonfiction book that explores various types of pets and their breeds. It aims to help potential pet owners make informed decisions about which pet might be the best fit for their lifestyle and preferences. The book covers a wide range of animals, from common household pets to more exotic options, providing useful insights and fun facts about each one.

Accuracy: ★★★★☆

The book offers accurate and well-researched information about different pet breeds and their characteristics. It covers essential aspects such as care requirements, temperament, and potential health issues, ensuring readers have a reliable resource to refer to when considering a new pet. The author clearly did thorough research to present trustworthy information.

Perspective: ★★★★☆

The perspective of the book is practical and user-friendly. It is written with potential pet owners in mind, providing a balanced view of each type of pet, including both the joys and responsibilities of pet ownership. The author’s approach is encouraging yet realistic, helping readers understand the commitment required to care for a pet properly.

Relevance: ★★★★☆

As pet ownership continues to be a popular and rewarding endeavour, this book is highly relevant. It addresses the growing interest in pet adoption and provides valuable information for both first-time and experienced pet owners. The focus on a variety of pets, including less common ones, broadens its appeal and relevance.

Engagement: ★★★★☆

‘Pet Selector’ is engaging with its blend of informative content and appealing anecdotes. The writing style is accessible and engaging, making it enjoyable for readers of all ages. The inclusion of colourful photos and illustrations of different pets adds to the book’s appeal, keeping readers interested and entertained.

Readability: ★★★★★

The book is very readable, with clear and concise language that makes complex information easy to understand. It is well-organized, with each section dedicated to a specific type of pet, allowing readers to easily find the information they need. The layout and design are user-friendly, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Enjoyment: ★★★★☆

Readers are likely to enjoy this book for its informative yet entertaining approach. The blend of practical advice, fun facts, and charming illustrations makes it a delightful read. Pet lovers will especially appreciate the thorough coverage of various animals and the guidance on choosing the right pet.


‘Pet Selector’ by Russell Kane is a delightful and informative guide for anyone considering adding a pet to their family. With accurate information, practical advice, and engaging content, it serves as a valuable resource for potential pet owners. The book’s readability and appealing presentation make it an enjoyable and useful read for pet enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a new pet or simply interested in learning about different animals, ‘Pet Selector’ offers a comprehensive and charming overview.