Lots of children have hamsters as pets, they are tiny bundles of energy wrapped in fur (the hamsters, not the children). With their twitchy noses, chubby cheeks and an insatiable curiosity, these nocturnal rodents have long captured the hearts of children and adults alike. I don’t know what you know about these furry hair balls, but they are known for their love of burrowing, hoarding snacks and running on wheels at ungodly hours, making them both entertaining and endearing. But anyone who’s ever had one knows that beneath that adorable exterior lies a mischievous streak as young readers are about to find out in Hamster Sitter Wanted, written by Tracy Gunaratnam with illustrations by Hannah Marks.
Hamster Sitter Wanted introduces young page turners to two adventurous hamsters – Marco and Polo. These two rodents have a friendship that is built on a shared love of thrill-seeking escapades. They just love skydiving, adore mountain climbing and even relish the energetic art of lion dancing! They are inseparable and are always on the lookout for their next big exciting adventure. Their energetic warm and playful bond is lots of fun – that is until an unexpected twist throws their carefree lifestyle into absolute chaos.
Enter Aunt Fluff, she is in desperate need of some “ME” time. In need of a break, she sends her ten rambunctious children to Marco with a note that reads: “Never leave them alone!” What follows is a whirlwind of hamster mayhem. The cousins are mischievous, noisy and full of mischief, and Marco and Polo quickly realise that their days of daring feats and peaceful afternoons are over – that is unless they can find someone brave enough to take on the challenge of babysitting these furry tornados.
On a mission to reclaim their freedom, the duo launches a full-scale campaign to find a hamster sitter. Posters, flyers and newspaper ads go out into the world with the hopeful headline: “Hamster Sitter Wanted.” Their efforts attract a few quirky applicants, including Mrs Baaton, a gentle sheep with a passion for knitting, and Mr Yogani, a serene giraffe who teaches yoga. But neither lasts more than a day with the wild bunch. Just when Marco and Polo are about to give up hope, Ms Bottomus, a no-nonsense hippo with a heart of gold, arrives and she proves to be the perfect match for the job.
Overall, Hamster Sitter Wanted is a delightfully charming picture book. It is a riot of cheeky humour, colourful characters and relatable chaos (the idea of trying to manage a group of mischievous little ones will certainly resonate with the adult readers). Children will instantly fall in love with the story’s playful and engaging tone. The story is simple fun, engaging and easy to read, making it ideal for early readers. The story travels along at a good pace (you could say like a hamster on a wheel), featuring just enough surprises to keep young readers hooked from start to finish.
The text of the story, by Tracy Gunaratnam, is packed full of fun (more than a hamsters cheek pouches can handle), and visually it is a treat. Wonderfully illustrated by Hannah Marks, the images are fun, vibrant and full of personality. Each page brings the story to life in fun, charming detail. Readers will love that the hamster cousins are all given distinct identities – each of the young hamsters has their name printed on their shirt (Stinky, Bumble, Bonkers etc), which adds a layer of individuality to the lovable characters and is great for helping children follow the story more easily. The fantastic artwork complements the text beautifully, enhancing the humour of the story. The blend of fun text and visually appealing, expressive and colourful images makes it an excellent story for young readers as well as non-readers as they can follow visually follow the action.
As a bedtime, or even classroom, read, Hamster Sitter Wanted is certainly a winner. It’s lively enough to spark giggles and conversation. The quite literal interpretation of the “hamster sitter” finale adds a clever twist that adults will appreciate just as much as children.
While a fabulously fun story, it’s also a celebration of friendship, problem-solving and the joy (and chaos) of caring for others. Whether shared at bedtime or enjoyed during storytime, it’s sure to become a firm favourite among young readers and their grown-ups. Highly recommended for fans of humorous animal adventures and anyone who’s ever tried to wrangle a group of energetic little ones (whether they are hamsters or children).
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £7.99 (paperback)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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