Maverick Books have some great picture books for children and this time we are reading Hamster Sitter Wanted; written by Tracy Gunaratnam and illustrated by Hannah Marks.
Two hamsters, Marco and Polo, are the best of friends and are very adventurous and love doing things together, including skydiving, climbing and lion dancing. But when Marco’s cousins turn up that is about to change!
Aunt Fluff needs a break and some “ME” time so has sent her children along with a note for Marco to look after them (about 10 of them) and also leaves a warning to “Never leave them alone!”
With so many naughty and mischievous young hamsters to look after, Marco and Polo’s adventures seem to be at an end until they decide to find a sitter and advertise for “Hamster Sitter Wanted”. Their posters, flyers and newspaper adverts pay off and some sitters apply for the job.
Things don’t go as planned after Mrs Baaton, a knitting sheep, and Mr Yogani, a yoga practicing giraffe, quit after a day each with the little hamsters. Marco and Polo are resigned to having to look after the cousins by themselves. That is until Ms Bottomus, the hippo, arrives and turns out to be the perfect hamster sitter.
Overall, Hamster Sitter Wanted is a great picture book story. It has a great story that has been written in a way that will appeal to children, they will be able to grasp the words and meaning and repeat it back. It is cheeky, fun, playful and engaging and children will love it (I know the 5-year-old twins did, as did I, probably more so for the more quite literal hamster sitter ending!).
It has been beautifully illustrated with each page showing what the story is telling, even down to small details such as each hamster having their name printed on their shirts.
This is a fantastic story of trying to deal with naughty and mischievous youngsters and children will love it. Great for bedtime reading.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £7.99 (paperback)
For more information, visit maverickbooks.co.uk. Available to buy from Amazon here.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with a free copy of this book for the purposes of writing a honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review uses an affiliate link which I may receive a small commission from if you purchase through the link.
Click here to read more reviews of books by Tracy Gunaratnam
