Guinea Pig Superstar Ali Pye

There are two short stories in this book - Time for School and Stop that thief, Harry Stevenson!  In the first story Harry goes to school and he is beyond excited. He is sure it will be a fun day but he is a little concerned about this strange thing called Maths. His day is going well and he is trying to be "good" but another child in the class has brought their pet - a corn snake named Flash. If these two pets are kept in their containers everything will be okay BUT a naughty boy sneaks into the classroom at the break and sets the snake free. Harry knows how to get out of his cage and he is keen to find more of the tiny carrots the teacher offered him at the beginning of the day - so YES we are headed for a disaster BUT there is a happy ending thank goodness.

In the second story Harry Stevenson and Billy head to a hotel with Billy's friend Maya. The hotel manager spies Harry and immediately called the pest control people but Harry and Billy are caught up in a different conundrum. Some one is set to steal the precious Sparky FC Football trophy. Luckily Harry is able to save the day.

If you have a child aged 5+ or teach a Kindergarten or Grade One class this book and the one below would be a terrific family or class read aloud. I would follow these books with the series about Humphrey or Olga da Polga.

Read more about Ali Pye here. 

Meet Harry Stevenson. He doesn’t live in a castle, or a witch’s cottage, or anywhere exciting like that. His home is in a flat with seven-year-old Billy and his mum and dad. And at first glance, Harry doesn’t seem any different from your average guinea pig. He has ginger fur and sparkly black eyes and likes nothing more than snacking on a piece of broccoli. But don’t be fooled! Harry may just want to sleep and eat (and then eat some more) but somehow he always manages to get swept up in adventures: whether it’s scoring a goal in a vital cup match, creating mayhem in Billy’s classroom or hitching a ride to Paris with a gang of bikers!

This is the second book in the series about a cheeky guinea pig called Harry Stevenson. 

The Adventures of Harry Stevenson

And here is book 3 from this series:

The Smith family has won a competition to spend a weekend in Paris and they're taking Harry Stevenson with them, but after Harry sets off the airport security alarm and their car breaks down, it seems as though they'll never get there? 

And when they do, what will happen to a small guinea pig lost in the big city?

Weirdo by Zadie Smith and Nick Laird illustrated by Magenta Fox

The Surprise arrives for Kit's birthday. Kit heads off to school so the pets in her room try to work out where The Surprise fits in. They decide she's a weirdo. The others leave to watch television which is a part of their schedule. In the bedroom, The Surprise works out how to fly and her balloons take her out of the window. She lands on a verandah and meets the wonderful Emily Brookstein. Others call her weirdo too. The Surprise has a wonderful afternoon with Emily sharing macaroons and card games. At three o'clock, Emily carries The Surprise back to her apartment and young Kit. Finally we discover her real name (Maude) and her skill with judo is recognised and can now be included in the schedule by the other pets - she is finally accepted. 

Which cover do you like? One is the hardcover and the other the paperback. I like the paperback. Zadie Smith and Nick Laird are married. Take a look at this review from Just Imagine where you can read more about the illustrations by Magenta Fox. 

A rather lovely picture book about being unafraid to be yourself, Weirdo features absolutely stunningly warm, characterful and adorable illustration from Magenta Fox, and a nicely paced text from Smith and Laird, who are usually found writing for adults. Book Trust

Here is the back cover:

This is a perfect picture book - yes I did say perfect! It is one I would add to every Primary school library collection. I loved the emotional arc of the story, the exploration of the power of words to hurt and heal and the kindness of strangers. It reminded me of the feelings I felt when I read Truman by Jean Reidy and Felix and Alexander by Terry Denton. 

I would Weirdo follow with these:

Albert Le Blanc to the rescue

Ruby and Little Joe

The adventures of Harry Stevenson by Ali Pye

Do you remember the scene in Toy Story when Woody is left behind and the family drive off in their car? Woody and the other toys chase the car and find a way to leap aboard?  Something similar happens to Harry Stevenson.  Harry Stevenson is a guinea pig. He lives with Billy Smith and his parents.  Billy loves Harry Stevenson and he always makes sure Harry Stevenson has delicious food, fresh water and a comfortable home. Life is good but things are about to change. Billy and his parents are moving to a new house. Harry Stevenson is coming too but there is an accident and he is left behind. While the car is being packed Harry Stevenson is placed outside! Outside is a new world for Harry Stevenson. He spies a delicious dandelion. His cage is not locked. Harry Stevenson steps out of his cage and no one notices he is missing when the family pack his cage into the car. This is a disaster.

What follows is a wild and amazing adventure involving a bicycle basket, a shaggy dog and a pizza box. I am certain that the happy ending will surprise you!

In the second story Harry Stevenson gets tangled in some helium birthday party balloons. He lands in the middle of a stadium. It is the day of the soccer grand final and his favourite team, Sparky FC, are on the field. Can a little guinea pig assist with this important match? Of course he can.

If you need a laugh and a short book which you could read over a week or two The Adventures of Harry Stevenson is THE book for you! It contains two stories and each have ten chapters. This book will be available on 1st July and I highly recommend it. Huge thanks to Beachside Bookshop for my advance reader copy.

If you enjoy books about guinea pigs there are plenty I can recommend including The World According to Humphrey and sequels,  Tales of Olga da Polga and these books suggested by my friend at Kinderbookswitheverything.

Harry is a lovely and warm character, and we immediately get to like him. He has no superpowers beyond understanding Billy Smith his owner, and being able to read the sports pages that get left to line his cage. But the fun is to be had from the outstandingly unusual scrapes that he ends up in. And I think they're so fun that I've never enjoyed a book this highly unlikely and implausible this much before. The Book Bag

Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly

Infused with humor and hope, this book deftly conveys messages of resilience and self-acceptance through simple acts of everyday courage. Readers will be left inspired to tackle life’s fears head-on. Publisher's Weekly


I really enjoy books with alternating voices.
I really enjoy books where the author makes you gasp out loud.
I really enjoy the satisfaction that comes from 'working hard' to make sense of the story, characters, setting etc.
I really enjoy books where I feel I am safe in the hands of a skilled storyteller. Knowing everything will be alright even though I am so anxious for the characters as they face huge dangers.
I really enjoy books which feel like solving a complex jigsaw with the added satisfaction that all the pieces fit together perfectly at the end.

This is why I loved Hello Universe and I can see why it was a winner!

Here is the blurb:

"Virgil Stalinas is shy and misunderstood. Valencia Somerset is clever and stubborn. Kaori Tanaka tells fortunes and can read the stars. Chet Bullens is the biggest bully in the neighborhood. They aren't friends. They're practically strangers. But when Chet pulls and unthinkable prank on Virgil and his pet guinea pig, Gulliver, these four students are thrown together in incredible and surprising ways."

Hello Universe was the winner of the Newbery Medal in 2017. You can meet the author here.  Here is an audio sample that begins at Chapter Two. Click on the reviews below for more plot details. I highly recommend this book for senior primary students who enjoy complex stories and who are happy to be patient and let the characters slowly reveal their personal stories.

An original and resonant exploration of interconnectedness and friendship. Kirkus

Wait for the last sentence in the book – but don’t peek. The final word will make you feel like you should stand up and cheer!  Nerdy Book Club

Unlikely friendships are formed and heroism abounds as the group of young people try to find their way in the world. Plucky protagonists and a deftly woven story will appeal to anyone who has ever felt a bit lost in the universe. School Library Journal

Tales of Olga da Polga by Michael Bond illustrated by Catherine Rayner

Last post I was talking about cover designs.  The Tales of Olga da Polga was first published in 1971 and so this classic book has undergone many different cover designs.  I was lucky to borrow the one illustrated by Catherine Rayner. It has black and white illustrations which are perfect but I have discovered there is also a colour version (2015).

The tales of Olga Polga is one of those classic books that appears on most read-aloud lists. I am not sure why I had missed reading it until now.

Olga is a wonderful character. If you have read other books about guinea pigs such as the series about Humphrey by Betty G. Birney and the Pee Wee trilogy by Joanna Hurwitz you will have met a character similar to little Olga.  I love this description right near the beginning of the book:

"There was a kind of charm about her, something in the set of her whiskers, an extra devil-may-care twirl to the rosettes in her brown and white fur, and a gleam in her eyes, which set her apart. Even her name had an air of romance. How she had come by it was something of a mystery, and Olga herself told so many fanciful tales about moonlit nights, castles in the air, and fields awash with oats and beautiful princesses  ..."

Olga is a natural storyteller. She enthralls her audience with her tall tales of guinea pigs in Peru and how they came by their rosettes and a wonderful tale about a tower of guinea pigs who sent one of their kind to the moon.

Olga is a force of nature. She is very confident and somewhat opinionated but somehow also quite naive and this gives her a sweet charm.  I am looking forward to exploring some of the other stories by Michael Bond about little Olga. There are six in the series along with some omnibus editions and picture books. Each chapter, and there are thirteen, in The Tales of Olga da Polga can stand alone and so this is a perfect book for a family or class read-aloud.

The best word for this/these stories really is fun. They are fun to read, fun to hear, fun to see, and fun to imagine. Both parents and kids will love Olga da Polga. Expect many nights reading about this fascinating guinea pig, from the creator of Paddington Bear.  Kid Lit Reviews