In quasi-comic-book format complete with dialogue in balloons, Billy and Belle is a gently humorous story featuring a modern mixed-race family on an important day. Little Billy and Belle can"t wait for Mom to have her baby: Belle already knows how to give a newborn a bottle, and Billy"s set to share his pet hamster with a new brother or sister. When Mom goes to the hospital, the kids go off to school for Pet Day (hamster and pet spider in tow) and a little unlooked-for excitement, as all the pets get loose. The family"s love and community"s support are charmingly portrayed in Sarah Garland"s colorful artwork.