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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
An Entertaining Tale About Cats and Capybaras Nov 12, 2009
Celeste and the Giant Hamster is an entertaining tale about a cat who gets more than she bargained for when she sets out to try to trap a "giant hamster" (which is actually a capybara). Along the way, she learns some valuable lessons about tolerance and teamwork.
While this book is intended for children, it's an enjoyable read for cat lovers of all ages. Parents of younger children may wish to read the book out loud, since the chapters can be pretty long for a young reader.
Those who are fans of capybaras may be a little disappointed to discover that this is really a book about cats (the capybara is more of a secondary character). That said, the cats have very well-developed personalities and Typaldos does a terrific job imagining the intricacies of the feline psyche. Through the excellent narration, we experience the joy that Celeste feels at successfully manipulating her humans into giving her food from the table. We begin to understand that cats do feel pangs of guilt after knocking over a piece of furniture (they just don't know how to express it). We discover that "typical" cat behavior is taught to young kittens by their mothers through catchy proverbs.
Overall, Celeste and the Giant Hamster is a well thought-out book that features one of the neatest animals in existence (capybara!).
Fun family reading Sep 26, 2009
Celeste and the Giant Hamster is a darling book. I've read it to my 7 year old, chapter by chapter, and we've both enjoyed it. There are facts about capybaras and lessons about true friendship that any parent will enjoy. However, the book captivates its target audience of 5-10 year olds with funny scenes that had my son rolling on the floor with laughter.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Giant Fun with Celeste Sep 17, 2009
Celeste the cat has issues: a family who doesn't understand her, a rodent co-pet who looks more like a prey species, friends of dubious quality, and a neighborhood full of roguish cats and thuggish dogs. But is it all reality, or just Celeste's jaded view? On top of all that, Celeste has now heard the humans talking about a giant hamster on the loose in the neighborhood.
She decides she'll show everyone her worth by capturing the giant hamster, which, it turns out, is a pet capybara, a pregnant capybara, no less! But how will she accomplish this with friends like puny Ruby and dopey Tiger, while avoiding the troublesome gangs of felines and canines at the same time?
As the quick and clever narrative unfolds, Celeste learns a thing or two about friendship, bravery, and tolerance. This page-turner is a great chapter book for young readers, but adults will find it fun and touching as well. Tip of the hat to Typaldos for writing about an exotic animal like the capybara, but making it seem mythical and familiar at the same time. She should know; she shares her home with a cappy.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
An inspirational adventure story for all ages -- read it! Sep 13, 2009
This clever book tells the story of Celeste, a cat that can't quite understand her humans' attachment to the house's dwarf hamster. Tormented by the critter's nocturnal marathons on its squeeking wheel, and in an attempt to prove her bravery, Celeste enrolls two of her friend cats in an adventurous mission: trying to catch a giant hamster that has been seen roaming around in the neighborhood. But their well-crafted plan faces a serious challenge: little they know that the hamster is actually a capybara -- the world's largest rodent.
The story starts on a funny note, then takes us through dramatic and fast-paced moments, pushing the reader from one chapter to the next. The characters are colorful and well-developed; you'll find yourself quickly attached to them! Inspired from the world's most famous capybara, Celeste and the Giant Hamster has a lesson (or two) for us all.
Overall, it's a wonderful, inspiring book for kids and adults alike. Highly recommended!
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Fun that keeps you on the guessing until the end! Sep 07, 2009
When I was a kid, my parents had to force me to put down the book I was reading and turn out the lights at bedtime. But as soon as they left the room, I'd flip on a flashlight and read under the covers. That left me with chronic dark circles, but it was worth it. I just had to know what happened next. A book grabs me like that only occasionally these days, but Celeste and the Giant Hamster did just that, earning a place in my Flashlight Hall of Fame. I felt like I was reading under the covers again as I stayed up late over a couple of nights to see what happened to the cats and the giant hamster. Cute cats, cute large rodents and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. What more could you want? Highly recommended for all ages and all animal lovers.
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