posted on 30 Mar 2025

The Guinea Pig Party by Holly Webb, illustrated by Rosie Butcher

My daughter was the proud owner of a guinea pig when she was about six and what I remember most about it (apart from the strong smell ), was the incessant squeaking. Perhaps I would have recommended a different pet if I had seen the very useful information provided on the inside cover which reveals that these creatures like to ‘chat’ and ‘only sleep in short bursts and are awake for 20 hours a day!’

There is no doubt that they appeal to many children because they look so soft and move fairly slowly, unlike cats and gerbils, which means that they can be encouraged to ‘ join in’ with games. This is what we see on the front cover as the friendly furry creature seems to be enjoying a party in a conservatory with a smiling girl and is even wearing a little hat as she tucks into a feast of radishes,tomatoes and lettuce.

As this charming story unfolds, we learn that Katy first comes across the ginger and white guinea pig in her Mum’s vegetable plot. This is a bit of a mystery as she can’t work out where it has come from. Her cousin Oliver owns three so she is confident to give it some appropriate snacks. It seems to particularly enjoy lettuce leaves, so that is what Katy decides to call her. She finds a safe place to keep her in a box in the old green house. This is a big secret, although she knows that someone might be missing her. When it turns out that a new family has moved into the area, she makes friends with Isabel and finds out that one of her two guinea pig pets has gone missing. What should she do about it? You will be pleased to know that all comes right in the end and that both girls and both guinea pigs are very happy as a result.

I liked the simple plot about friendship which will resonate with many young readers. This is enhanced throughout by the plentiful, beautifully soft illustrations which rather reminded me those by Helen Oxenbury.

I strongly recommend this little book which is the fourth title for Barrington Stoke, an imprint of Harper Collins, by this internationally bestselling author. The ‘ Little Gems’ format is well designed by this excellent publisher whose overall aim is to be ‘ a quick engaging win for confident readers and a satisfying achievement for those who have to work harder’. It should be available from your local independent bookshop who will order it if not already on their shelves. Alternatively, it can be ordered direct from the website: www.barringtonstoke.co.uk

 

Karen Argent

 

March 2025