Sweetie Pie, the hamster, is so excited to leave the pet shop with his new owner. In the great outdoors he feels the wind in his fur and experiences its wonderful sights and smells for the very first time. But soon he is stuck back inside, living a cage-bound life controlled by the whims of his awful owners. As Sweetie Pie looks longingly out of his cage at the squirrels frolicking in the trees, he wonders if he will ever get the chance to answer the call of the wild... Inspired by his daughters' two pet hamsters, Chris Van Allsburg tells the heart-warming story of a little animal, trying to find his place in the big wide world.

A heroic hamster tries to find a home in this touching and funny new offering from two-time Caldecott Medal winner and author of the worldwide bestsellers The Polar Express and Jumanji.

About the Author
Chris van Allsburg lives in Providence, Rhode Island and lectures at the Rhode Island School of Design. He is a sculptor and artist.

Reviews
"Entertaining story about a world-weary hamster" * Marilyn Brocklehurst, Bookseller *
"Story is clear, fast-moving and progresses with each page turn. A 'must' for pet lovers." * INIS *
"Stunningly clever illustrations reveal the world from a hamster's perspective." * EYE *
"Touching and funny new offering." * Birmingham Mail *
"Wonderfully expressive watercolours" * Books for Keeps *



Book Information
ISBN 9781783441884
Author Chris Van Allsburg
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint Andersen Press Ltd
Publisher Andersen Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 415g
Dimensions(mm) 285mm * 255mm * 8mm