Valentino Finds a Home

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Author(s)

Andy Whiteside

Publisher

Star Bright Books

Genre(s)

Picture Book

Age Range

Release Date

April 15, 2012

ISBN

978-1595722843

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Often mistaken for a rat . . . or, worse yet, a meal, Valentino is a guinea pig trying to find a home where he can live happily ever after. He runs away from his native home in Bolivia as a stowaway and he has many adventures until good fortune lands him in a pet shop. Soon after, he finally meets Maddie-- little girl with a lot of love to share-- who is hoping for the perfect pet. Who says dreams never do come true or there's no such thing as a happy ending? Just ask Valentino and Maddie!

Editor reviews

2 reviews

Valentino Finds a Home

April 15, 2012 (Updated: April 15, 2012)

Overall rating

4.0

Plot

N/A

Characters

N/A

Writing Style

N/A

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

This bright little picture book will appeal to the youngest readers, especially those who have guinea pigs, or a fondness for small animals...and frankly, what child isn't fond of small animals? The charming illustrations incorporate photos of the intrepid Valentino in a variety of amusing situations, including weight-lifting and (my favorite) doing his laps complete with flippers and goggles.

I do wish the author had not chosen to write the story in rhyming couplets. It's a format that is surprisingly hard to pull off, and in this case, the author didn't quite manage it, which actually makes the book harder to read aloud. I suspect it would have been just as easy -- in fact, easier -- to tell this tale in straight prose, and often that's a better choice.

Still, the illustrations are fabulous, with lots of little details to enjoy and the story of Valentino's escapades and eventual happy ending will satisfy the 4-and-under set.

Good Points

Adorable pictures
Fun protagonist (if a guinea pig can be a protagonist)