Review Detail

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.