Hot Rod Hamster by Cynthia Lord, illustrated by Derek Anderson

This story has no deeply moving plot, no depth of character, no exquisitely artistic illustrations.

It's one of my absolute favorites this year.

It's pure, glorious, delightful, uninhibited, FUN!!

An exuberant, excited hamster is building a car for the big race. "Great day, grin day, build a car to win day,/Cheer day, chase day, gonna have a race day!" With the help of an eager friendly bulldog and the audience, he chooses his car, wheels, engine parts, paint, and one last important detail - a helmet! Then he's off to the races...but oh no! His marvelous racing car is practically invisible among the big dogs! But this little hamster isn't daunted; he's ready for anything! It's a wild race, but Hot Rod Hamster wins!

Yay!!

Verdict: This is the kind of book that definitely deserves the word "rollicking." It's just so much fun! Fun to read, fun to look at, fun to listen to! Perfect for storytimes with toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners. Perfect for quiet perusing and giggling. Perfect for displays about cars and hamsters. All-around pitch perfect in every point.

ISBN: 9780545035309; Published February 2010 by Scholastic; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library