I would have given this book 5 stars but I HATE SNAKES. So, with that in mind, I would like a mongoose as a pet if they truly do have the personality told in the story. But I think I would have to have snakes for him to fight off, so maybe not. The version I read was illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and that was a true pleasure in and of itself. He writes a wonderful story of his coming to illustrate these types of books on the last page of the book. I am so enjoying rereading or reading for the first time these children's book. I'm not certain if I was read this book as a child or read it myself or was ever introduced to this story. It really doesn't matter reading them as an adult is pure joy.