March is Adopt-a-Rescued-Guinea Pig Month    Sponsored by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and Petfinder.com, March 2008 is Adopt-a-Rescued-Guinea Pig Month. We would like to quote Pawprints and Purrs, Inc. ( http://www.sniksnak.com/ac/guinea-mon.html), which "encourages you to make adoption your first option when thinking about adding a guinea pig companion to your family. These adorable little creatures make ideal family pets. The guinea pig is quiet, does not demand constant attention, has low-cost upkeep, yet is very affectionate."    There are lots of wonderful books featuring guinea pigs and their human friends. Presented here is a sampling of the very best fiction and nonfiction featuring "everything cavy." Cavy is a more proper name for a guinea pig; but they are almost never "proper," as you will see.    Among my favorites are the stories about Fluffy, especially when he "proves" that he is the descendent of a breed of dinosaurs that evolved into guinea pigs…a theory that scientists can relate to a "giant breed of guinea pigs" but they weren’t dinosaurs (sorry, Fluffy, although "T-Fluffy" does have a certain ring . . .) and any of the Kate Duke guinea pig stories. I have included only a few of the Fluffy books but there are many delightful adventures to choose from since it is a series. For full disclosure, I must admit to being a fan of cavies, having had a number of them as family pets. While our family stories are not quite as adventure-filled as some of the following, we did have a lot of fun with our furry "squealers." All of our piggies grew to recognize the sound of the refrigerator vegetable drawer opening as a signal that fresh "treats" were in the offering–resulting in lots of cavy vocalizations! Contributor: Sheila Egan Reviews Brian & Bob: The Tale of Two Guinea Pigs Georgie Ripper    Brian and Bob are two guinea pigs who live happily in a big cage at Pete's Pet Palace. Every day, they eat, sleep and play "I Spy" together. Then, one day, a little boy comes into the pet shop and chooses Bob as his pet. Brian misses Bob terribly until an older man comes into the store and buys Brian. As it turns out, the man is the grandfather of the boy who chose Bob, so the two guinea pigs are re-united. They resume their friendship and their life together. Young children are often very interested in animals and easily form bonds with them. It is also a time when children are developing their first friendships. Therefore, this heart-warming story of animal friendship will be a delightful addition to classrooms for preschool and early elementary children. This is one of two children's books that Ripper has illustrated. Her soft watercolor pictures enhance the tenderness of the text. 2003, Hyperion Books for Children, $15.99. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Kathy Egner, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7868-1925-1 ISBN: 978-0-7868-1925-6 Caring for Your Guinea Pig Jill Foran    Guinea pigs are the "dogs" of the rodent world. They are affectionate, good-natured, and able to learn tricks, but they require more daily care than other small animal pets. These lovable, gentle animals prefer clean, quiet homes. Both because they are not likely to bite their handlers and because of their friendly demeanor, guinea pigs are an especially popular pet for children. This book highlights both the possibilities and the responsibilities that each potential guinea pig owner should consider. It begins with a brief history of the animal, which dates back to 9000 B.C. in South America and includes their voyage to North America with the earliest European settlers. Then it considers the different kinds of guinea pigs available, the equipment needs, the grooming and health care needs, the life cycle, the feeding requirements, the training possibilities, and guinea pig communication. Along the way are informative tips and general warnings, such as not to use cedar bedding since it is toxic and to avoid drafts which can cause colds. This informative book is sure to help its readers make well-considered decisions about guinea pig ownership. This book is part of the "Caring for Your Pet" series. 2004, Weigl, $24.25. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-590-36116-4 ISBN: 978-1-590-36116-0 Fluffy and the Fire Fighters Kate McMullan Illustrated by Mavis Smith    Fluffy, the classroom guinea pig, awakes from a nap to discover that Martians have landed. They wear long coats, high rubber boots, thick gloves, helmets with lights, tanks on their backs, masks on their faces and they carry axes. It's enough to send even the bravest guinea pig diving for the safety of his food dish. Assured by the class that the Martians are actually firefighters; Fluffy sits in the cab of the fire engine. A sudden emergency thrusts Fluffy into the position of observing the arduous teamwork necessary to put out a fire. He realizes that even though he could never be a firefighter himself, he can still dream. This "Hello Reader! Level Three" very cleverly introduces children to the essentials of fire safety. The well-paced action in three short chapters will hold students' interest. Some of the vocabulary will challenge but not overwhelm the reader, encouraging the use of phonics. Suggestions for parents at the beginning of the book will ensure a pleasant, fruitful reading experience. 1999, Cartwheel Books/Scholastic, $3.99. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Stephanie Farrow (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-439-12917-6 ISBN: 978-0-439-12917-6 Fluffy Goes to School Kate McMullan Illustrated by Mavis Smith    The cover tells readers that Fluffy is no ordinary guinea pig, he is a guinea pig with an attitude. Fluffy also has a wild imagination and this early reader tells its story from his perspective. When the class votes on his name, Fluffy is appalled--he envisioned having a name that was more macho. When the kids put some playthings in his box, Fluffy has a great time pretending to be a space ship commander, a brave police officer, and captain of a ship caught in a storm. The worst is yet to come. A couple of the girls dress Fluffy in doll clothes and take him to see a guinea pig in another classroom. Fluffy's quick thinking saves him from total embarrassment. It's a funny story that kids should enjoy. Part of the "Hello Reader!" series, Level 3. 1999 (orig. 1997), Scholastic, $3.99. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-590-37213-0 ISBN: 978-0-590-37213-8 Fluffy Meets the Dinosaurs Kate McMullan Illustrated by Mavis Smith    Fluffy is the guinea pig that lives in Ms. Day's elementary school classroom. He's no ordinary class pet! When Ms. Day and her students take a field trip to the Natural History Museum, Fluffy decides to join them by becoming a stowaway in someone's lunch. The museum tour guide shows everyone Fluffy's prehistoric rodent ancestors. Fluffy, however, prefers looking at the dinosaur exhibits and imagining another ancestry--from the mighty T-Rex to the mighty small "T-Fluffy." Told with humor and vocabulary appropriate for beginning readers, this title from the "Hello, Reader! Level 3" series is sure to please. Full-color illustrations add to the fun. Includes notes from Reading Specialist Francie Alexander about how parents can use this affordable, soft-cover book in to improve children's reading skills, and develop a lifelong love of reading in youngsters. 1999, Cartwheel Books/Scholastic Inc., $3.99. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-590-52310-4 ISBN: 978-0-590-52310-3 Great Big Guinea Pigs Susan Roth    Did you know that there were prehistoric guinea pigs? This book tells the story of how guinea pigs evolved from a giant size to the small pets they are today. Based on scientific research, this fictionalized account begins with a guinea pig telling her child a bedtime story of how the guinea pigs lived in prehistoric times. She tells him that they were as big as buffalo and weighed a ton. They lived in Venezuela in the swamp and ate grass. They loved to swim, but had to watch out for the hungry alligators. The theory is that when their food began to disappear, they became smaller and quicker. Some stayed wild, but some became “cuter and friendlier.” The last page includes a bibliography and facts list about guinea pigs. The large collage illustrations are made from textured cut papers such as canvas, cellophane, and contact paper. The splashy results are interesting and create visual fun. Children will be fascinated by the story and the artwork. 2006, Bloomsbury, $17.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Vicki Foote (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-1-58234-724-0 ISBN: 1-58234-724-7 Guinea Pigs Martha E. H. Rustad    One of the first animals many young children will ever own is a guinea pig. Known as being very gentle and tolerant, guinea pigs draw many parents and children alike to their squeaks and grunts and make it their choice for that first pet. In Guinea Pigs, part of the "All About Pets" series for emergent readers, children can get that first glimpse of America's favorite pet before taking the plunge into pet ownership. And for those children who are simply seeking to feed their curiosity about these small animals, Guinea Pigs is an ideal place to start. Written specifically for early readers, this series uses repetitive words and phrases in order to help children learn, and the format keeps things simple with one sentence per page. Each sentence is accompanied by a colorful photograph to reinforce interest and support each statement, further helping children decipher the text. While children may not learn specific care requirements or details about guinea pigs from reading this book, they will learn the basic needs of a guinea pig as well as a brief description of the animal itself. In addition, readers who find themselves eager to learn more are encouraged to do so through a reference section at the back of the book which refers to both library sources and Internet web sites. The glossary is also included to reinforce what has been discussed. Guinea Pigs, as well as the other titles in this series, will be thoroughly enjoyed by animal lovers, particularly those who are beginning to show an interest in reading. 2002, Capstone Press, $14.60. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Emily Cook (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-0975-9 ISBN: 978-0-7368-0975-7 I Love Guinea Pigs Dick King-Smith Illustrated by Anita Jeram    Long hair, short hair, brown and white, tan and black, striped or not, these endearing creatures come in thousands of combinations. Yes they are rodents, but as Dick King-Smith says "They're so chunky and chubby and cuddly..." and anyone who has had a guinea pig knows that they make great pets. His love of these little creatures comes through in the text and is delightfully illustrated in watercolors by Anita Jeram. Lots of facts interspersed on the pages round out one of the bright new offerings in the "Read and Wonder" series. 1997 (orig. 1995), Candlewick, $15.99 and $5.99. Ages 4 up. While not readily available, this title is certainly worth a trip to the library or a search on the internet. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-56402-389-3 ISBN: 0-7636-0150-0 John Willy and Freddy McGee Holly Meade    Run, run, run fast as you can." Surprise, it's not the gingerbread man, but two cage buddies--John Willy and Freddy McGee. They have everything they need, but they are so bored! Fate shines on them and their cage door is left open. The fun begins when these two guinea pigs realize that the house is their playground and the pool table is a maze. Category: Adventure; Humor. Grade Level: Preschool; Primary (K-3rd grade). 1998, Marshall Cavendish. Ages 3 to 9. Reviewer: Mona (BookHive (www.bookhive.org)). ISBN: 0-7614-5033-5 ISBN: 978-0-7614-5033-7 Little Whistle Cynthia Rylant Illustrated by Tim Bowers    Little Whistle is a guinea pig, the only live creature staying in the toy store. Although he sleeps all day, at night he dons a blue pea coat and has adventures--for the toys come alive and become his friends. "Most toys will do these things, once the shades are drawn." There is always something happening somewhere in the store, from parties to reading aloud. Even when his toy friends are sold, Little Whistle doesn't mind, because he knows they are going to children who will care for them. It's a happy life for him, with hints of further adventures to come. Bowers portrays a cuddly fellow, adventurous but safe in his surroundings. Full page and vignette naturalistic oil paintings depict the friends and adventures in the soft, magical light of night. The scenes invite us in to have tea, listen to a story or be hugged by a young customer. 2001, Harcourt, $14.00. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-15-201087-4 ISBN: 978-0-15-201087-4 Milly, Molly and Betelgeuse Gill Pittar Illustrations by Cris Morrell    The girls observe a family of guinea pigs in a grassy corner of the garden. Ma Guinea tells each little guinea pig a story about its name and ends with "You are special." Only Betelgeuse does not have a story for his name, and in spite of Ma Guinea saying he is special, he does not feel it. Milly and Molly watch a friendly star winking in the night sky. When they tell a farmer about it, they learn that the star's name is Betelgeuse. Now they can help Ma Guinea tell Betelgeuse a story for his name. A "Parent Guide" at the end of the book points out the value of building self-esteem. To learn which child is which, one must look at the first picture of the girls sitting on a bench. Milly has brown skin and black, curly hair. Molly has pink skin and straight, blonde hair. At the beginning and end of the book is the saying, "We may look different but we feel the same." The bright, simple pictures capture the innocence of childhood. The end papers show Milly, Molly rag dolls. This is one of a series coming to us from New Zealand. 2003, Milly Molly Books, $9.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-86972-005-9 ISBN: 978-1-86972-005-6 Oh, Theodore!: Guinea Pig Poems Susan Katz Illustrated by Stacey Schuett    Susan Katz has given young readers a story in poems on a topic they thoroughly enjoy-pets. This book recounts the excitement of choosing a pet and caring for it, as well as the emotional distress when the furry creature cannot be located for a time. The poems cover portions of the first two days of pet ownership, evoking a gamut of emotions. While some of the artist's renderings of the guinea pig seem a mix of hamster and other rodent species, the paintings reflect the disappointment, excitement, and sadness of the poems. Incorporating a variety of rhyme schemes and rhythm patterns, the poems tell about choosing, naming, feeding, coaxing, reassuring, grooming, losing, and finding the pet. Some don't have rhyme to tie them together, merely simple statements with a lyrical sound. Others repeat words or phrases to provide structure. Here is a crafted collection of guinea pig poems that will cause all readers to laugh aloud from delight and to sit contemplatively from short-lived sadness. "Forever" is the final affirmation of a young boy's love for his pet. Many children will use this book to convince their parents that the next family pet must be a guinea pig. Recommended. 2007, Clarion Books, 48pp., $16 hc. Ages 5 to 11. Reviewer: Daniel R. Beach (Library Media Connection, November/December 2007). ISBN: 978-0-618-70222-0 ISBN: 0-618-70222-9 One Guinea Pig Is Not Enough Kate Duke    Most little ones enjoy acting silly, having fun, and counting out loud. Thus, when author/artist Kate Duke takes those basics, wraps them inside a simple story, and illustrates it in acrylic, watercolor, pencil, colored pencils and colored inks, she creates a winner of a counting book. Her light, airy pastel colors, reminiscent of nursery tones, complement the book's very young, happy feeling. For each number, which is as large as the page, Duke illustrates a concept behind that number, such as "One guinea pig is a lonely guinea pig." Then, the next page connects that number and concept to the next and so on, building the excitement as the numbers increase. She brings all the little guinea pigs back home and ends the book with hugs and one final play scene. These dancing, jumping, flying, picnicking guinea pigs will make children smile. 1998, Dutton Children's Books, $15.99. Ages 3 to 5. Many of Kate Duke’s books are out of print; but it is certainly worth a trip to the library or a search on the internet to have the opportunity to meet her delightful cavies. Reviewer: Patricia Timbrook (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-525-45918-9 ISBN: 978-0-525-45918-7 Sammy the Classroom Guinea Pig Alix Berenzy    Author/illustrator Alix Berenzy introduces young readers to Sammy, a classroom guinea pig with an important message. As the students try to decipher Sammy’s chirps and loud “wheep,” they learn more about Sammy’s unique personality and needs. Without sentimentality, Berenzy reveals the importance of the child/animal bond, and her soft-toned paintings accurately present an engaging little creature and his world. These days, classroom companions may offer youngsters their only chance to connect with an animal. With busy households having few, if any, pets and little contact with the natural world, we can give three cheers for schools that have a place for Sammy and his furry friends. 2005, Henry Holt, $16.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).    Sammy the class pet seems to have everything he needs for a happy life. He has a “house” inside his large cage, the correct food and water, even a treat from time to time, like fresh grass or melon rind. This is why Mrs. B and the students are so concerned when Sammy begins to “wheep-wheep” one morning. He does not seem to be sick, or frightened, or hurt. When Maria picks him up to cuddle, she thinks she understands. It is Monday, and he has missed them all weekend. Sammy’s appealing face on the jacket is irresistible. Colored pencils and pastels on cream-colored pages sensitively create a real animal and portray the associated humans with equal insight. The simple visual story needs little context. The focus is on Sammy, his simple pleasures in his cage, and his delight in being loved. The added facts about guinea pigs make this a perfect guide to caring for them along with an interesting story. 2005, Henry Holt and Company, $16.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8050-4024-2 ISBN: 978-0-8050-4024-1 William and the Guinea Pig Gill Rose Illustrated by Tim Archbold    A picture book that is also a tool for teaching about responsibility, this story is of William, who wants nothing more than a guinea pig for his birthday. He begs and pleads with his mother promising he will take care of it all by himself. Mother relents and William gets his pet, naming him Sandy. For days William spends all of his spare time with Sandy, cleaning the cage, holding him, feeding him, even to the exclusion of playing soccer with his best friend. William's sister Kelly volunteers to help care for Sandy, but is deemed too young to properly care for an animal and promptly dismissed. We can all imagine what happens when the novelty wears off. Soccer calls, and William predictably neglects guinea pig duty for days. When cousin Rachel comes for a visit, she is eager to see the new pet. William dreads what they may find when they check out the shed Sandy lives in. To his surprise Sandy is happy and thriving--thanks to a secret care giver. We can all guess who that is! Following this story that will be familiar to many readers are questions to think about and discuss. The story stands alone, and can certainly be enjoyed independently of adult intervention. Since the questions are thought provoking, it is an excellent vehicle for character education lessons, as well as in community organizations for families. 2005 (orig. 2001), Picture Window Books, $22.60. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-4048-0664-4 ISBN: 978-1-4048-0664-1 To stay up to date on new books by these authors, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Added 02/27/2008