Kipper and Roly
Pig is very single-minded in his birthday desires. His gift wish list  includes a rabbit, a guinea pig, a mouse, a gerbil, "or something." Ever  obliging, Pig's canine friend Kipper rushes off to the pet shop where he finds  just the "something": a sweet little hamster. But in the process of preparing  for the party, Kipper falls in love with the roly-poly rodent, and doesn't know  how he's going to give him up. Fortunately, his friend Pig is a very generous  fellow. He's also--suddenly, and by his own ill-considered design--the caretaker  of a veritable menagerie!Mick Inkpen is the man behind the well-loved critters featured on Nick Jr. TV  shows and many popular picture books, includingWhere, Oh Where, Is Kipper's  Bear,Kipper's A to  Z, andKipper's  Birthday. Warning: Roly is absolutely adorable; young readers may soon  be making a few wish lists of their own! (Ages 4 to 7)--Emilie Coulter