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111 pp.
| Holt/Ottaviano
| January, 2018
|
PaperISBN 978-1-62779-462-6$12.99
(2)
1-3
Best friends Hammy and Gerbee (hamster and gerbil, respectively) break from their class during a science museum visit to create mischief involving toilet paper, mummy role-playing, and slapstick humor. The entertaining characters are rendered via thick, relaxed lines in this graphic novel. Nine short, fast-paced sections will engage new readers; easy-to-follow sequences, simple speech-bubble dialogue, uncomplicated wordplay, and visual punch lines should draw in reluctant readers.
Reviewer: Julie Danielson
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2018
32 pp.
| Fitzhenry
| November, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-55455-332-7$17.95
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Suzanne Del Rizzo.
As hard as she tries, Little Gerbil can't follow the Gerbil Motto "Curl Up Noes to Toes" at bedtime. When she notices that other gerbils are also struggling with some of the Gerbil Mottos, she bravely proposes changes. The detailed Plasticine illustrations are more compelling than the purposeful text. Gerbil facts and a craft project appended.
24 pp.
| Smart Apple
| March, 2014
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-62588-030-7$25.65
(3)
K-3
My New Pet series.
Young children learn what it takes to care for a new pet. Large print and a combination of photos and drawings of familiar critters present the responsibilities--providing food, water, a place for sleeping and play, gentle handling, regular attention, and veterinary care. The books are narrated simply in the first-person voice of a child; a few notes for parents wrap things up. Glos., ind. Review covers these My New Pet titles: Guinea Pig, Hamster and Gerbil, Kitten, Puppy, and Rabbit.
197 pp.
| Dial
| June, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3854-6$16.99
(3)
4-6
Determined to find out if she is the favorite pet, Obi hitches a ride to school in Rachel's backpack. However, the gerbil soon gets more than she bargained for when she becomes trapped in the school overnight. This third lighthearted read starring the plucky critter has a zippier pace than its predecessors (Obi, Gerbil on the Loose; Obi, Gerbil on a Mission).
48 pp.
| Enslow/Elementary
| January, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-4082-3$23.93
(4)
K-3
American Humane Association Pet Care series.
Well-organized information follows through on these books' titles, from a brief history of the animals as pets to picking the right type or breed, caring for it, and preventing problems. The tone is encouraging, though appropriate cautions are included. Colorful captioned photos illustrate text that is clear but not very deep; occasional vague statements are eventually clarified. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these titles: Choosing a Bird, Choosing a Cat, Choosing a Dog[c1], Choosing a Fish, Choosing a Hamster, Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Rabbit, Ferret, Mouse, or Rat, and Choosing a Horse.
199 pp.
| Dial
| April, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3727-3$16.99
(4)
4-6
Obi (Obi, Gerbil on the Loose!) feels resentful when Rachel, her human "adoptive mother," gets a new puppy. After Obi shows enemy pup Kenobi how to get outside, he runs off, forcing guilt-ridden Obi to try to find her nemesis. The story's pace is slow, but readers will enjoy the humorous characters as they grapple with jealousy and the consequences of their actions and find true friendship.
32 pp.
| Smart Apple
| August, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59920-701-8$28.50
(3)
4-6
Pets Plus series.
These books introduce common domestic animals and their wild counterparts. Plentiful photographs and text boxes surround accessible paragraphs describing how to choose a pet, how to care for it, and common health problems. Life cycles, animal communication, and natural habitats are also discussed. Useful for those considering a pet or for report writers. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pets Plus titles: Rats and Mice, Birds, Cats, Dogs, Gerbils and Hamsters, Horses, Lizards and Snakes, and Rabbits.
197 pp.
| Dutton
| June, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-525-47890-4$15.99
(4)
4-6
Gerbil Obi's owner has taken off for vacation, and Tad the pet sitter doesn't know he's supposed to feed Obi. Obi's ingenuity helps her survive until she can get a message to Tad. Though the story starts slowly and then meanders, animal lovers will enjoy the exploits of the gerbil, three cats, an old dog, some fish, and a parrot.
(3)
K-3
Dial Easy-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Anna DiVito.
These well-designed, informative books entice early readers with short, direct sentences and attractive color photos and illustrations. The brisk question-and-answer format provides nourishing fodder for young readers while piquing interest intelligently: why horses wear shoes, why hamsters have cheek pouches, how rabbit leg structure determines patterns of movement. [Review covers these Dial Easy-to-Read titles: Why Do Horses Neigh? and Why Do Rabbits Hop?.]
(4)
1-3
Illustrated by
Bill Basso.
Sam teases his brother Robert about his gerbil then feels horrible when the gerbil dies. He gets his mother's new boyfriend, a taxidermist, to stuff the gerbil, and the tooth-baring result leads Sam and Robert to suspect the taxidermist of being a zombie. The pseudo-humorous plot strains belief, but the brothers' relationship rings true. Black-and-white illustrations accompany the text.
32 pp.
| Benchmark
| September, 2000
|
LibraryISBN 0-7614-1104-6$$22.79
(3)
4-6
Perfect Pets series.
These books provide basic historical, mythological, and practical information on the different breeds and species. Clear color photos and informative captions combine with straightforward texts to successfully engage and advise prospective pet owners. Bib., glos., ind.
133 pp.
| September, 1998
|
TradeISBN 0-15-201295-8$$14.00
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Will Hillenbrand.
In this new series debut, Andy wants to ask his parents if his friend Tamika can live with them now that her foster family is moving. Trouble is, it's a bad time to ask for favors--his mother has just announced she's pregnant. Andy is a likable hero, and the spunky, animated illustrations add life where the somewhat sluggish telling does not.