Hot Rod Hamster

We first checked this book out from the library, and my boys (ages 2 and 3) couldn't get enough. After renewing the book from the library several times it was clear we should just buy it. I can see them enjoying this book for years. The words are catchy and engaging ("Great day, grin day, build a car to win day") and the story is uniquely entertaining (A hot rod for a hamster? Who would think it would be so fun?). My boys like to say the words along with me and the race at the end is always greatly anticipated. They also like the "What would you choose?" parts where they can pick what they would want for a hot rod. I don't buy kids books unless I love them (or my kids do and I can tell it's a good book), and this one's a keeper.

Cynthia Lord's HOT ROD HAMSTER is an especially notable, recommended title spiced with gorgeous eye-catching drawings by Derek Anderson as it tells of a hamster's race to the finish line. "Which would you choose" offers kids interactive choices in the course of a zany story that's a top pick for any picturebook library.

This picture book is a lot of fun to share with children. The text begins, "Great day, grin day, build a car to wind day, /Cheer day, Chase day, gonna have a race day!" Word balloons jazz the story up, Hot Rod Hamster says, "I need a hot rod!" Bull Dog says, "A hot rod for a hamster? You'll need something very small." "And FAST!" replies the hamster. This amusing picture book is about a rambunctious hamster that needs a "hot rod" so he can participate in a car race. A Bull Dog owns the local wrecking yard, and puts together a perfect little car for the hamster, "Old car, new car, shiny painted blue car, Rust car, clean car, itty-bitty green car. Which would you choose?" Word balloons add comments by other dogs: one snotty racer, a Dalmatian dog asks Hamster, "Is your car a toy?" Another racer says, "You're awfully small." A scowling, determined Hamster responds, "G R R R. I'm built for speed!" Wonderful acrylic illustrations provide humor, and the cartoon characters are large-sized, perfect for viewing in a story time. One hilarious illustration shows the Bull Dog when he upends himself in a box of old toys, and finds a helmet for Hot Rod Hamster to wear.

Join Hot Rod Hamster as he builds a car to win the big race. What type of vehicle will you pick? Which wheels will you chose? Don't forget the decorations. How about big bright flames? Hot Rod Hamster combines rhyming description words with the interactivity of asking the reading what things are their favorite or which item they'd choose. Both aspects made the book fun and entertaining. We did a lot of pretend while reading this one.

A hamster was in the junkyard standing on a junked racer talking to the junkyard dog who was crunching on a biscuit. Well, "Great day, grin day, build a car to win day, / Cheer day, chase day, gonna have a race day!" Hamster needed a hot rod that was small and FAST! Vroooom! Hamster sat on a bent axle trying to decide as the junkyard dog showed him a few models, but the brand-new taxi cab was out, the red van was too big, and the little purple truck was no hot rod for sure. When the choice was made the mice mechanics pushed a green car aside. "It'll need new tires and wheels," said the dog. No problem because Hamster wanted to "BURN RUBBER!" Vroooom! Fat tires were chosen so the car would squeal and the mice mechanics were fast at work, save the one popping snacks as he lay across the seats. The tires were changed and the wrenches came out because dog said he'd "need an engine that'll purr." Picking parts for the engine were next and then, most important of all, flames needed to be painted on the front. "Cool flames, hot flames, give it all you've got flames, / Short flames, wide flames, sizzle down the side flames!" Very soon Hamster's hot rod was ready and it was time for the race. Hamster's car was the smallest and every racing dog sneered down on him and his rod. Was he going to have a chance to win a prize at the 4 Paws Speedway? Vroooom! This is an adorable story about Hamster and his hot rod that your little car lover will love. The story, interspersed with some great rhythmical choices for the reader to select from, is lively, fun and will appeal to a wide range of children. The artwork is animated, vibrant, colorful and adds a lot to the excitement of the tale. This is one book that little hands will be turning pages as they smile at the determination of Hamster and chuckle at the junkyard dog. Little things come in small packages and in this book, this little hamster is a sure fire winner!