Things aren't going so well for the Willow children--Abner, Derek, Tate, and Celia. They've recently moved from their crowded neighborhood bustling with friends and activity to a secluded, old house in the country. And, they've just lost their third hamster which means that they will never get a dog which is what they really want. At least, Abner, the oldest child, does. A search finds Hammy the Third in an old suitcase under the stairs. Suddenly, the little hamster starts talking about being in trouble for getting caught and promises to grant one wish in exchange for his freedom. When the wish goes awry, the children stay out all night trying the convince the Great Hamster to reverse the spell. Very cute chapter book with well written and exciting prose. Any reader of fantasy and fairy tales knows that if one is granted a magic wish, one must be very careful what one wishes for! Try to quell the greed (or you might end up with sausages stuck to your nose) and the desperate desire to thwart death (in fact, just don't make wishes with monkeys' paws) - and always, always think before you wish.The four Willow siblings have just moved to a house in the country for a year and are feeling just a little miffed about it. It might be better if they had a dog, but their parents have made it clear that they can't have a big animal until they can learn to take care of a small one. Unfortunately, their track record is not great, seeing as how the kids are now on their third hamster (Hammy the Third), and he has now escaped only days after they discovered him in their new cellar, chowing down on dog food.Not only does Hammy turn up again, but he turns out to be a talking, wish-granting hamster. And Celia, the youngest Willow, makes a rash wish that turns her into a hamster the size of a large dog. During their night-time visit to the Great Hamster, who just might be able to reverse the spell, the Willow kids learn that the land all around their new house is very unique indeed, as are the burrowing animals that inhabit it.This is a short and breezy fantasy a la Edward Eager, perfect for kids who have just learned to read with confidence and want a "real" chapter book. The two sisters and two brothers are sketched in with just enough details to be able to distinguish them from one another, and Celia is a most realistic hamster, filled with a zest for life (as long as life is filled with plenty of eating and running).
What do You think about Hamster Magic (2010)?
Got the book for my son's obsession with hamsters. A cute and quick read.
—Mmiller
Very cute book and a quick read for the begging chapter reader.
—Christy
Read aloud 2012. Bluebonnet book 2012?
—estefanyyy17
