Hamster Magic

January 1, 2011

Gr 2-4-The Willow family has just moved into a rickety old house, and Abner, Tate, Derek, and Celia have made an incredible discovery: their pet hamster has the ability to grant wishes. Celia, frustrated with her status as the youngest, accidentally blurts out her wish-to be bigger. While she is envisioning being a bigger person, Hammy the Third actually turns her into a huge hamster. Now the children must figure out how to reverse this wayward wish before their parents find out-and they must do it before the sun comes up. Written for readers who are just beginning to tackle chapter books, this title may find an audience with those who fancy hamsters or who have them as pets. Other readers may find little else to draw them into the story. Besides the somewhat ridiculous premise, another flaw is that the origin of "hamster magic" is barely explained-supposedly burrowing animals will accrue it the more time they spend underground. When Hammy the Third doesn't have enough magic on his own to reverse Celia's wish, all the burrowing animals band together to transform her back into a little girl. It's this deus-ex-machina approach to conflict resolution that makes the story hard to swallow. Black-and-white cartoon illustrations add some charm and help readers to visualize the characters, but they don't save this title from being a marginal purchase, at best.-Amy Holland, Irondequoit Public Library, NY

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2010
Grades 1-3 A couple of steps up from an easy reader, Jonells latest book will appeal to those who prefer their fantasy stories furry and friendly. It follows four siblings over the course of a day and a very long night as they deal with a wish gone wrong. The Willow kids (ages six and up) have just moved from their suburban neighborhood to a house in the country, and theyre having some trouble adjusting. But those troubles seem simple after Celia, the youngest, turns into a giant hamster when she wishes to be big. Dormans black-and-white illustrations are appealing, and Jonell handles the childrens problem with a light hand, finding humor in how they hide Celias appearance and tremendous stores of energy from their parents. After a night of adventure in which the children sneak out to find the Great Hamster and undo the magic, all ends well. And the Willow kids are sure that next time, they will better handle all of the new rural magic around them.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2011
Wishes are not to be taken lightly, especially when they're granted by a hamster. Tired of being the youngest child, Celia wishes to be big. Humorous problems arise for Celia's siblings as they try to hide their sister-turned-giant-hamster from their parents. Dorman's drawings of Celia as she discovers her new hamster abilities will tickle young readers.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)