Elizabeth really wants a pet. She'd like a horse, a dog, a cat, or even a turtle. But her parents do not want a pet. Instead they give her a cactus. Even though Elizabeth's new plant proves to be a good listener, Elizabeth still really wants a pet.

While Elizabeth campaigns to find the right pet, her family imagines some hair-raising possibilities, until Doug comes along. Doug is, without a doubt, the most unusual, perfect pet of all. Doug is a bug! He's not big like a horse or loud like a dog. He doesn't scratch, or shed, or jump on furniture. And he hardly eats a thing.

Margie Palatini and Bruce Whatley have created a hiarious picture book that handles a topic every parent and child will relate to--choosing that perfect pet.