OH, THEODORE!

A boy, settling for the one pet his mom will allow, narrates the gentle, mutual bonding between him and guinea pig Theodore. Short poems, accessible to primary-grade readers, detail the pet’s slow acclimation to household life—despite the thuds, slams and phone rings that rattle it so. As the Latino narrator gains Theodore’s trust by gently inuring him to being handled and petted, Katz deftly reveals how caring for a pet helps children become empathetic and capable. Theodore’s temporary disappearance—he’s found hiding in the spaghetti pot—adds a soupçon of drama. Schuett’s warm-toned paintings, accented with blues and greens, charmingly extend the text; slightly cartoonish depictions exude child appeal. Both author and illustrator include accurate details about guinea-pig care. Whether readers tend pets or only pine for them, this collaboration is sure to satisfy. A nice addition for classrooms and libraries, and an easy handsell for bookstores. (Picture book/poetry. 4-8)