The irresistible pooch featured on Nick Jr. returns for Kipper and Roly by Mick Inkpen. Kipper buys Pig a hamster he names Roly for Pig's birthday, but finds it difficult to give up Roly. That's where Pig's generosity comes in. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Pig sends out birthday party invitations with a gift list that turns out to be a bit too short on suggestions in this latest episode of a popular series. Pig asks for a pet; unfortunately, the gerbil that Kipper chooses for him turns out to be so cute, so talented, that Kipper names it and then becomes reluctant to give it away. As usual, the spare text is printed in large type, and the illustrations collaborate actively in advancing the plot. In the end, Kipper downheartedly does his duty, but Pig, who has already received a rabbit, two guinea pigs, a mouse, and even a stick insect from other party-goers, delights his canine friend by asking him to keep taking care of "Roly." Inkpen gives his dot-eyed figures the barest minimum of surrounding detail, so that the puppy-gerbil bonding will be clear even to very young fans. Though this may not have the psychological depth of Russell Hoban's A Birthday for Frances (1968), for instance, the harmonious, tidy resolution brings its own brand of satisfaction. (Picture book. 3-6)

All Pig wants for his birthday party is a pet, so Kipper the dog buys him a hamster. However, Kipper becomes very fond of the little animal and hates to part with him. When everyone else also brings a pet, Pig comes up with the perfect solution for Kipper. The uncluttered illustrations add personality and humor to the story. From HORN BOOK Spring 2002, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Ages 3-6. Kipper the dog buys Roly the hamster as a birthday present for Pig. But Kipper loves how Roly stores seeds in his cheeks, somersaults across the table, and maneuvers through cardboard tubes. In fact, Kipper is so fond of Roly that he delays delivering him to Pig. By the time Kipper and Roly finally arrive at Pig's party, Pig has already received several other pets for his birthday. Realizing he has more than enough animals to look after and sensing Kipper's reluctance to give up the hamster, Pig asks Kipper to care for Roly for him. This newest installment in the series of Kipper books opens opportunities to discuss the qualities of good friends and the responsibilities of being a good friend and caregiver to a pet. It will also have youngsters begging for hamsters of their own, especially after enjoying Inkpen's amusing pen-and-ink depictions of Roly's antics. --Ellen Mandel

PreS-Gr 1-Pig is having a birthday party and the only thing on his wish list is a pet, so Kipper rushes to the pet store and buys his friend a hamster. At home, the pup has great fun feeding and playing with it. He names it and begins to think he would like to keep the little guy. He gets caught up in building Roly a wild hamster ride and misses the party. When he gets to Pig's house, it turns out that the birthday boy has already gotten three new pets as presents and asks Kipper if he will take care of Roly for him. Watercolor cartoons complement this light and amusing story. The funniest illustrations are a series of nine small pictures that depict the steps of Roly's wild ride through all of Kipper's gadgets. Children should enjoy this simple tale.-Anne Parker, Milton Public Library, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.