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This children's book is delightful for any animal-loving early reader. The author obviously knows grade-level reading and is careful to write a fun story using only words decipherable for new readers. Dick, Jane, and Spot will need to move over as guinea pigs Shandy and Orion take centerstage.
Shandy and Orion tell the story of living with a human family and the family cat. The book teaches kindness and compassion toward pets in a sweet, non-pedantic way. "We take care of them, and they take care of us!" says Shandy. There is no better way to get young ones to think about animal ownership and compassion toward all animals than to personify the animals and get kids thinking about what is kind. An example of this is seen when Orion says, "In some countries, like Switzerland, it is illegal to own only one guinea pig. They say it is because we get lonely easily."
There are lessons about the life cycle and sickness too. The cat gets sick but is surrounded by love and support. The book even throws in some math, converting guinea pig years to human years. Beyond subtle lessons, the book is just plain sweet. For instance, Orion says, "I like to eat watermelon and get a wet chin. I look so cute!" Indeed he does, in the illustration following. The images are professionally done—bright, colorful, and simple. This book was clearly written by an education specialist who knows what children can read, what they are interested in, and how to deliver it all. Every kindergarten, early elementary, and special education class should make shelf space for these adorable guinea pigs.