It is interesting that the two most talked about books this summer, or at least the two that have gotten the most press, are so very different. “Go Set a Watchman” by Harper Lee has disappointed many readers because she has dared to tamper with the character of her beloved Atticus Finch.
On the other hand, the also beloved Dr. Seuss has a new title for all readers. “What Pet Should I Get?” has been greeted by applause and smiles. The first new title from the pen of Dr. Seuss since his death in 1991 has an interesting history. The text and drawings were found in a box by Geisel’s widow. The box had been in storage because of renovations done on the Geisel home and was only recently discovered.
Many readers feel concern that Harper Lee may have not knowingly approved of the publication of “Watchman.” But Cathy Goldsmith, associate publisher of Random House Children’s Books, had no reservations about publishing “What Pet Should I Get.” She believes that if he didn’t want it published, he would have thrown it away. Why then wasn’t it published when it was written, probably in the late 1950s or early 60s? Goldsmith contends that Seuss was probably overwhelmed with work and just forgot about it.
Recently reviewed in “Kirkus,” the reviewer concludes that this book will be “Of more lasting interest to scholars than children.” 
Yet, the store of a brother and sister’s visit to a pet store to choose a pet will still attract young readers who will enjoy Seuss’s illustrations of a variety of cute, furry creatures as well as his repetitive, rhyming text.