Jeannie Houdini: A Hamster’s Tale

Written by Mary-Ann Stouck; Illustrated by Rebecca Evans

“A fine educational tool for children who think they may be ready to give love and attention to a pet.” — Kirkus Reviews

Book cover of 'Jeannie Houdin: A Hamster's Tale,' featuring a watercolor illustration of a hamster holding a large strawberry, set against a background of sky and clouds.

Jeannie is a clever little hamster who’s feeling forgotten. Her original caregivers—twins Mateo and Martina—have lost interest, leaving Jeannie bored and lonely in her cage. Meanwhile, their younger sister Sophia feels left out and longs for a connection of her own.

When Jeannie starts pulling off daring escapes, Sophia sees more than mischief—she sees a chance. Given the opportunity to care for Jeannie, Sophia realizes her new friend isn’t just escaping; she’s craving excitement and attention.

Determined to enrich Jeannie’s life, Sophia gets creative, discovering how to meet her pet’s needs and forming a bond full of joy, trust, and discovery.

A heartwarming story about empathy, responsibility, and finding friendship in unexpected places.

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Classroom Guide

  • Hamsters, Animal Welfare, Friendship

  • 25 Pages

  • Hardcover

  • 3-7 Years

  • Kindergarten - 2nd Grade

  • 0940719401

  • 9780940719408

Watercolor illustration of a sleeping hamster curled up on bedding.
Illustration of a hamster sitting against a wall in a corner of a room.
A girl with long dark hair resting her head on her arms, looking at a hamster on her arm
A watercolor illustration of a hamster inside a cage, sitting on a person's palm, with metal bars and bedding in the background.
Watercolor illustration of a small hamster being held gently in two hands against a light blue background.
A small hamster with brown and white fur peeking over a windowsill, looking outside.

Reviews

  • Kirkus Reviews

    “...With an interesting layout of full and partial illustrations, this sweet picture book entertains, especially on the pages that depict Sophia hunting the missing hamster down. A friendship between Sophia and the mischievous pet is inevitable as she discovers the commonalities between Jeannie's small world and her own miniature playhouse.

    Interesting subplots available for discussion include sibling rivalry, the historic vaudeville performer, and responsible pet ownership. A helpful section at the end of the book answers questions about how to care for and adopt hamsters as pets. Evans paints the children with light-brown skin and straight or wavy black hair; their names suggest Latinx heritage.

    A fine educational tool for children who think they may be ready to give love and attention to a pet.”

  • Sheryl Salloum (Author and Early Childhood Educator)

    “Jeannie Houdini is a captivating tale for any child who wants a pet. Mary-Ann Stouck depicts the deep connections between attentive children and contented pets. She charmingly conveys the characteristics of hamsters: their cuddliness and fragility, their need to chew and play, and their dietary, health, and shelter requirements. With easy instructions for befriending and keeping a hamster, Jeannie Houdini is a perfect primer for children and parents. Rebecca Evans’ delightful illustrations highlight the gentle, loving rapport that develops between a child and a properly cared-for pet.”

  • Molly Beth Griffin (Author of "Loon Baby," "Rhoda’s Rock Hunt," and the “School Sidekicks” series)

    “Although Jeannie Houdini is full of information about how to care for your pet hamster, it is more than a how-to book—it is a story. Young readers will connect with this character, a lonely little sister who longs for a playmate, and they will cheer when she finds a friend in the bored, neglected family pet. Each finds what they need in the other in this satisfying book, and it will encourage readers to give their pets plenty of attention, care, and love.”

Illustration of a hamster holding a large strawberry, and a girl looking out from a small house with a coconut shell doorway and a red plastic wheel inside.
Watercolor illustration of two young girls, one reading and the other looking at a small pet hamster in a cage on a table in a brightly lit room, with toys and pictures on the walls.
A young girl with long dark hair holding a small, fluffy hamster with brown and white fur near her chest, while looking at it with a smile. The hamster is also holding a snack, appearing content.
A young girl with dark hair, wearing a green shirt, covers her mouth in surprise while a hamster stands on a table beside her, holding a small green toy, with scattered strawberries and sunflower seeds on the table. In an inset, a hamster is gently h
A young girl resting her chin on her arms as she looks at a small brown hamster. In the background, two other children are preparing a cage for a pet in a living room with light blue walls, some drawings on the wall, and a couch with a purple and pin