Guinea Dog written by Patrick Jennings, (published 2010). 510L 3.2RL Grades 3-6. This book is a light-hearted story of a how a boy overcomes his disappointment and frustration when his parents do not give him the pet he wants.
Kirkus Reviews (March 15, 2010)
A humorous story about an unusual pet. Rufus has but one wish--a dog. His stay-at-home Dad does not agree. His list of reasons not to get a dog extends over two pages. Rufus's sympathetic mom brings home a guinea pig, which Rufus has expressly said he does not want. To his surprise, though, the guinea pig (which he sullenly names Fido) behaves like a dog! She obeys every command Rufus gives her, plays tug-o'-war and even chews shoes. His best friend wishes she were his when, during a Frisbee game, out of nowhere, she retrieves the disc and brings it to Rufus. The family decides to return Fido to the pet store, but a classmate is willing to buy her to replace her hamster--and it's then that Rufus begins to have second thoughts. Jennings provides no explanation as to why Fido acts like a dog, asking readers to accept the absurdity along with Rufus. The school characters are fairly one dimensional, but the undeniably funny plot moves along, and readers into beginning chapter books should enjoy this wry story of wish fulfillment. (Animal fantasy. 7-9)
This book has been a hit with every group of students of mine. Its funny, it has a meaningful problem to many children, and its a quick read. It is always a bonus when my students think they are just listening to a funny, light-hearted story about another's person's problems, and they come to realize that they themselves have acted in a similar manner sometime in their own life when things aren't going their way. My students empathize with Rufus as he struggles to accept this little guinea pig that he didn't want. It is nice that Rufus redeems himself in the end and realizes that Fido is everything he could ever want in a pet. by Liz Stafford
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