Wanted: A Guinea Pig Called Henry – book review

Sam really wants a pet for her birthday, but because her family lives in an apartment, her choices are limited. She and her family visit the Rainbow Street Shelter and meet some of the small pets there – including the guinea pigs – and Sam later returns to adopt “Henry,” an adult guinea pig who really wants a home. Sam loves her wee piggy companion, but feels that he is lonely when she isn’t around. What can they do? Sam has just the solution – Henry needs a friend! While they’re at the shelter, Sam’s little brother bonds with the shelter’s welcoming dog, Nelly, and Sam comes up with another brilliant idea to encourage her brother and his fellow kindergartners to read.

This book does a great job of integrating proper, responsible pet ownership/pet care into an appealing story. Young animal-lovers will get their fix and learn how to care for/behave around a variety of animals. A sweet story with positive messages and outcome that kids will appreciate. I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I am guessing they are similar in content/format.

Reviewed by YA Librarian