K-Gr. 2. Sam considers that he has the best seat in second grade--right next to the cage of George Washington, the class hamster. When the students embark on a field trip to the local science museum, Sam takes along a little something extra, George. Inevitable disaster strikes when the hamster jumps from Sam's pocket into the museum's Hamster Habitat. Luckily, Sam knows his furry friend well enough to pick him out of the sea of the museum's busy rodents. Kenah has created an appealing cast of characters whose actions ring true. Sam is properly contrite after George's close call with danger, and his teacher, Mr. Hopper, metes out a punishment that is both firm and fair. Carter's watercolor illustrations add to the story's appeal and will make this entry in the I Can Read! series a popular choice for emerging readers. --Kay Weisman Copyright 2005 Booklist

In an unusual twist on the school field trip theme, a second-grade boy named Sam manages to take the class hamster along on a visit to the science museum. The hamster, George Washington by name, has the distinguishing trait of frequent sneezing, which proves critically important when George Washington is dropped into the museum's hamster display and must be retrieved. Lots of humorous details add to this mid-level easy reader's appeal, and the story will be enjoyed by newly independent readers as well as serving as a read-aloud in any classroom (or home) with a hamster as a pet. Carter's expressive watercolor illustrations help bring the kids in room 75 and their furry pet to life. (Easy reader. 5-8) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

K-Gr 2-These titles offer independent readers imaginative stories, an opportunity to build vocabulary, and memorable characters. Mildred, which is about overprotective parenting, has the thinnest plot, but the endearing illustrations encourage readers to keep turning the pages. Second Grade tells of a boy who sits next to the class hamster and the trouble that ensues when he decides to take it along on a field trip. First introduced in Big Max (HarperCollins, 1978), this title's star is a clever detective who dresses like Sherlock Holmes and travels via umbrella a la Mary Poppins. Here he takes on a case in the land of Ah-Ah Achoo. Fans of Marjorie Weinman Sharmat's "Nate the Great" series (Delacorte) will enjoy this whimsical mystery. Beginning readers will be motivated by these clever tales and pore over the imaginative illustrations.-Laurel L. Iakovakis, Douglas County Libraries, Castle Rock, CO (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Sam has the best seat in second grade, right next to George Washington, the class hamster. Tired of waiting for a turn to be Hamster Helper, Sam sneaks the class pet out on a science museum field trip. Inviting illustrations enliven four simple chapters about Sam and George Washington's adventure. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.