Silvia Borando's books for Walker's teeny tiny offshoot Minibombo are brilliantly fun for little ones.
"The Hamster Book" was definitely not one I expected Charlotte to pick as a book of the week, but I guess the adorable character that you're encouraged to look after and care for in this brilliant little interactive tale is just too cute to resist.
Obviously aimed at kids a lot younger than 8, I actually found it quite cute and engaging that Charlotte loved this very simple book. You meet the hamster for the first time, blinking her eyes as she wakes up all scruffy but with some deft strokes from her new owner (you) her coat is once again silky and soft.
What else do Hamsters need? They need a name of course, and they love exercise, and they love nothing better than nibbling tasty treats!
(Pay special attention to the end papers here by the way!)
Of course what goes in must come out, so be prepared to clean up after your new friend! Grab a tissue (Charlotte dutifully did!) and clean up that poo!
We're really looking forward to testing this one out on Charlotte's little 2 year old cousin. She's going to love it!
Charlotte's best bit: Grabbing some tissues to clean up all that poo (and there's a lot of it, remember what we said about those end papers?)
Daddy's favourite bit: Proof positive that a cute and adorable little 'interactive' book can still unleash a child's imagination better than any app - even an older child like Charlotte!
(Kindly sent for review)
"The Hamster Book" by Silvia Borando is published by Minibombo / Walker and is available now.