Character Analysis
Seuss likes to use unnamed narrators in his books, and the one in What Pet Should I Get? is no different. We know from the pictures that the narrator is a boy and also Kay's brother, but other than that, readers are free to place themselves in the narrator's shoes. He doesn't drown us with lots of quirky personal information or details, which makes him the perfect vessel for readers to step into and really experience the story.
The narrator brings up lots of common feelings, especially when it comes to decision-making:
Oh, boy!
It is something
to make a mind up. (8.1-3)
This sentiment is entirely relatable and sums up the root of the story: These two kids are having a tough old time making up their minds. They can't figure out what pet they want, or if the pet shop even has all the pets they could desire.
In the end, though, the narrator sums up his decision-making skills and decides on a pet:
"I will do it right now.
I will do it!" I said.
"I will make up the mind
that is up in my head." (26.1-4)
The narrator really comes through at the end. Instead of letting this decision drag out forever—or risking never getting a pet—he makes the final choice for him and for Kay. And it's something the kids sure look pleased with at the end of the book.
Think this is just another happy ending? Think again: Insofar as this book is about struggling with choices, and the narrator is a perfect vessel for readers to see themselves in, it matters big time that the kids leave the pet shop happy. If the moral of the story is that sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and make a decision, readers can rest assured that this isn't so much settling as it is a path to happiness.