When the narrator and his sister first enter the pet shop in What Pet Should I Get?, they happily peruse the grand variety of pets on display. There are dogs, cats, monkeys, and birds, and even some rabbits and a whole tank full of fish. But soon the possibilities start to change in their minds as the kids start dreaming up more exotic creatures—even coming up with their own imaginary creations. Instead of a dog, the narrator starts thinking about what it'd be like to have a yent (which we'd bet isn't something you can find in any old pet store). The animal kingdom transforms into the fantastical in his mind.
Questions and Answers
Q: What kind of animal lives in a tent?
A: Why the yent, obviously!
Q: Does the narrator actually see the strange animals that he thinks of in the pet shop?
A: No, but they're very real in his mind. That's part of why imagination is so cool.
Q: Why does the narrator change and become all decisive at the end?
A: Because he's up against a deadline. Their mother wants them to be home by noon.