Kipper and Roly

Pig is very single-minded in his birthday desires. His gift wish list includes a rabbit, a guinea pig, a mouse, a gerbil, "or something." Ever obliging, Pig's canine friend Kipper rushes off to the pet shop where he finds just the "something": a sweet little hamster. But in the process of preparing for the party, Kipper falls in love with the roly-poly rodent, and doesn't know how he's going to give him up. Fortunately, his friend Pig is a very generous fellow. He's also--suddenly, and by his own ill-considered design--the caretaker of a veritable menagerie!

Mick Inkpen is the man behind the well-loved critters featured on Nick Jr. TV shows and many popular picture books, including Where, Oh Where, Is Kipper's Bear, Kipper's A to Z, and Kipper's Birthday. Warning: Roly is absolutely adorable; young readers may soon be making a few wish lists of their own! (Ages 4 to 7) --Emilie Coulter