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Shelter Pet Squad #1
Jelly Bean
Suzannah's always wanted a pet of her own, but she lives in an apartment where there are absolutely no pets allowed. What she CAN do is volunteer at a local pet shelter. There, although she's the youngest, Suzannah quickly finds herself making friends with the kids and bonding with the animals. She makes toys and treats for the animals. She feeds the cats and plays with the puppies!
Then a girl just her age brings a guinea pig named Jelly Bean to the shelter. Suzannah promises that she'll find the little creature the perfect home. But what if no one wants an abandoned guinea pig?
Then a girl just her age brings a guinea pig named Jelly Bean to the shelter. Suzannah promises that she'll find the little creature the perfect home. But what if no one wants an abandoned guinea pig?
128 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2014
19 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 31, 2023
Such a cute book!!
November 2, 2014
Outstanding start to a new chapter book series. I love that Ms. Lord values young children and their caring spirits. Lots of additional information about guinea pigs and pet shelters in the back.
March 12, 2017
My son enjoyed this chapter book about Suzannah, a 2nd grade girl who volunteers at the animal shelter because she loves animals and can't have a pet of her own.
Cynthia Lord drew inspiration from real life to write this story, there is a picture of her guinea pig, Cookie, in the back of the book. Also at the end of the story are guinea pig facts and how kids can help their local animal shelter.
Cynthia Lord drew inspiration from real life to write this story, there is a picture of her guinea pig, Cookie, in the back of the book. Also at the end of the story are guinea pig facts and how kids can help their local animal shelter.
November 30, 2017
I do a "Books for Breakfast" book club with 3rd graders. This was the first book we read, and we loved it! The kids want to read the next two books in the series!
July 23, 2020
Suzannah has NO ANIMALS EXCEPT CATS!!!!!!!!(2) WHY???HOW???....She pretends that her pluses are animals. One day her Mom saw a website that said “SHELTER PET SQUAD (FOR KIDS)
And she told Suzannah all about it. Suzannah agreed with her Mom......Now every Saturday she will go to the SHELTER PET SQUAD.
First Saturday afternoon
Suzannah was dropped off by her Mom (she was super excited but also a tiny bit scared at the same time. After a few Saturdays
afternoons one day her farther came a bit late to pick her up from the SHELTER PET SQUAD and she saw a family come in with a guinea pig (name-Jelly Bean)and a crying girl (about her age) gave it to the Ms.Flores(the counter lady). NOW SHE HAS TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)
And she told Suzannah all about it. Suzannah agreed with her Mom......Now every Saturday she will go to the SHELTER PET SQUAD.
First Saturday afternoon
Suzannah was dropped off by her Mom (she was super excited but also a tiny bit scared at the same time. After a few Saturdays
afternoons one day her farther came a bit late to pick her up from the SHELTER PET SQUAD and she saw a family come in with a guinea pig (name-Jelly Bean)and a crying girl (about her age) gave it to the Ms.Flores(the counter lady). NOW SHE HAS TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2018
This is a really cute and fun book! The only reason that I didn't give it more stars is that it is geared toward a younger audience. One thing that bothered me was that a 7 or 8 year old girl didn't know what an animal shelter was. Other than that, this was a great read!
March 9, 2019
Wonderful book for pet lovers
This book offers practical advice for children on the nurture and care of animals. It promotes mindfulness and a gentler affect in the world
This book offers practical advice for children on the nurture and care of animals. It promotes mindfulness and a gentler affect in the world
April 30, 2023
Yes, i am fully aware that i am 24 years old but sometimes you just need a quick wholesome read. I loved this and i absolutely cried.
January 4, 2015
This is from my blog at http://dickenslibrary.blogspot.ca/201...
Here at Dickens, literature circles are an integral part of literacy programs from grade two and up. Finding books for those younger readers that have enough substance to be included, yet are at an appropriate reading level, is one of my biggest challenges.
It was with much delight that I found this book at our recent book fair. On the back it claims that it is written at a grade two reading level. Cynthia Lord is a stellar writer whose work I always enjoy. So I took a risk and picked up eight copies without reading the book first.
I'm so glad I did.
This is more than a chapter book. It's a novel written at an easy to read level.
Susannah loves animals, but can't have a pet because she lives in an apartment building that forbids them. Working at the pet shelter once a week is the best alternative. At first Susannah is apprehensive because she is the youngest member of the squad. It doesn't take long before she connects to the other members as well as the dogs and cats at the shelter.
On her first day a family with a young girl bring in Jelly Bean, their guinea pig. Susannah promises the distraught girl she will find a good home for Jelly Bean. It isn't as easy as it might seem. She asks all her friends and neighbours, but no one wants a guinea pig. At the shelter, Susannah saves Jelly Bean from being adopted by a snake owner. Eventually, with the help of all the pet squad members, they come up with a plan to find a home for Jelly Bean.
There is so much to love about this book. The characters are well developed. There is a clear problem that needs to be solved. Readers will learn a lot about what goes on at an animal shelter. Erin McGuire's simple, but realistic illustrations are an added bonus.
The end of the book contains a collection of information pages including: facts about guinea pigs, ways you can help animals in your area, and directions for how to make some of the toys and puzzles Susannah created. There is a section on how to care for a guinea pig and finally, Cynthia Lord tells about her rescued guinea pig.
I can't wait for the rest of the books in this series!
This book took me back to my days before I left the classroom to become a Teacher Librarian. We had an abyssinian guinea pig named Frodo in our classroom. We loved him. Students took him home on the weekend where he had some hilarious encounters with parents and grandparents. Frodo especially came to adore my husband who taught him to do some tricks. Unfortunately, I developed allergies and when Frodo reached the end of his days, we didn't get another.
Here at Dickens, literature circles are an integral part of literacy programs from grade two and up. Finding books for those younger readers that have enough substance to be included, yet are at an appropriate reading level, is one of my biggest challenges.
It was with much delight that I found this book at our recent book fair. On the back it claims that it is written at a grade two reading level. Cynthia Lord is a stellar writer whose work I always enjoy. So I took a risk and picked up eight copies without reading the book first.
I'm so glad I did.
This is more than a chapter book. It's a novel written at an easy to read level.
Susannah loves animals, but can't have a pet because she lives in an apartment building that forbids them. Working at the pet shelter once a week is the best alternative. At first Susannah is apprehensive because she is the youngest member of the squad. It doesn't take long before she connects to the other members as well as the dogs and cats at the shelter.
On her first day a family with a young girl bring in Jelly Bean, their guinea pig. Susannah promises the distraught girl she will find a good home for Jelly Bean. It isn't as easy as it might seem. She asks all her friends and neighbours, but no one wants a guinea pig. At the shelter, Susannah saves Jelly Bean from being adopted by a snake owner. Eventually, with the help of all the pet squad members, they come up with a plan to find a home for Jelly Bean.
There is so much to love about this book. The characters are well developed. There is a clear problem that needs to be solved. Readers will learn a lot about what goes on at an animal shelter. Erin McGuire's simple, but realistic illustrations are an added bonus.
The end of the book contains a collection of information pages including: facts about guinea pigs, ways you can help animals in your area, and directions for how to make some of the toys and puzzles Susannah created. There is a section on how to care for a guinea pig and finally, Cynthia Lord tells about her rescued guinea pig.
I can't wait for the rest of the books in this series!
This book took me back to my days before I left the classroom to become a Teacher Librarian. We had an abyssinian guinea pig named Frodo in our classroom. We loved him. Students took him home on the weekend where he had some hilarious encounters with parents and grandparents. Frodo especially came to adore my husband who taught him to do some tricks. Unfortunately, I developed allergies and when Frodo reached the end of his days, we didn't get another.
October 27, 2014
This story draws on a child's desire to have a pet. Second-grader Suzannah lives in an apartment that does not allow them so she volunteers at the local animal shelter. She is part of the Shelter Pet Squad, a group of kids in grades 2-6 that play with the animals and make things for them. When a family brings in a pet guinea pig to the shelter because they are moving, Suzannah is determined to find it a home. She rallies the Pet Squad into advertising at the school in hopes that some teacher will step forward and adopt the pet for his or her classroom. Our students in third grade work with animal shelter dogs and adopt-a-pet for their classrooms. I know that teachers will like this book for their library or as a read aloud.
I was confused at the start of the book because the illustrations make Suzannah look older than grade 2. I didn't discover her age until after Chapter 1 and had a hard time getting an image in my head. A sweet tale emerges that shows how one person can make a difference in the life of an animal. I snoozed a bit in this slow, sweet, realistic tale directed at intermediate readers. These type of books tend to have a limited vocabulary and simple plots and words as readers gain fluency. This is the nature of intermediate books and the result is I find them forgettable for the most part. Perhaps my hyperactiveness works against me and my bias toward humor, fantasy, and action are too influential. Either way, you'll have to decide for yourself what you think about its pacing.
I like Cynthia Lord's middle grade books because of the tension she creates and depth in themes. She is one of the few writers that can sustain my interest. She just doesn't here. I actually took more interest in the broken-hearted dog, Bandit, thinking that the story might be about Suzannah trying to make friends with him. But Bandit is just an aside to showing that the animals at the shelter can find good homes. The real star is the guinea pig, Jelly Bean. Ironically, my dad used to call me "Barbara Jean, Jelly Bean" because I was always doing gymnastics around the house. I loved to cartwheel and spin in circles. Alas, this book just didn't have enough twirls for me.
I was confused at the start of the book because the illustrations make Suzannah look older than grade 2. I didn't discover her age until after Chapter 1 and had a hard time getting an image in my head. A sweet tale emerges that shows how one person can make a difference in the life of an animal. I snoozed a bit in this slow, sweet, realistic tale directed at intermediate readers. These type of books tend to have a limited vocabulary and simple plots and words as readers gain fluency. This is the nature of intermediate books and the result is I find them forgettable for the most part. Perhaps my hyperactiveness works against me and my bias toward humor, fantasy, and action are too influential. Either way, you'll have to decide for yourself what you think about its pacing.
I like Cynthia Lord's middle grade books because of the tension she creates and depth in themes. She is one of the few writers that can sustain my interest. She just doesn't here. I actually took more interest in the broken-hearted dog, Bandit, thinking that the story might be about Suzannah trying to make friends with him. But Bandit is just an aside to showing that the animals at the shelter can find good homes. The real star is the guinea pig, Jelly Bean. Ironically, my dad used to call me "Barbara Jean, Jelly Bean" because I was always doing gymnastics around the house. I loved to cartwheel and spin in circles. Alas, this book just didn't have enough twirls for me.
February 9, 2021
"The shelter animals didn't have a home - not yet. And I couldn't have a real pet - not yet. But maybe we could borrow each other?"
Second grader Suzannah is nervous, at first, to join the Shelter Pet Squad. All the kids seem so much older. But as she begins working with the animals and the other kids, she starts to feel more comfortable. And though she would rather have a pet of her own, she also feels good about helping the shelter animals find a "good match" and "get their second chance." So when the family comes in to drop off Jelly Bean, a guinea pig that they can't take on their move to Paris, Suzannah assures the girl that she will find a good home for Jelly Bean. It isn't as easy as Suzannah thought it would be, though. But with the help of her new friends, they concoct "Operation Jelly Bean", an all out attempt to find Jelly Bean a home.
A great book for early readers. Includes fast facts in the back about guinea pigs, ideas for helping animal shelters and directions for some of the animal toys that were used in the story. I'm anxiously awaiting the squad's next adventure.
Second grader Suzannah is nervous, at first, to join the Shelter Pet Squad. All the kids seem so much older. But as she begins working with the animals and the other kids, she starts to feel more comfortable. And though she would rather have a pet of her own, she also feels good about helping the shelter animals find a "good match" and "get their second chance." So when the family comes in to drop off Jelly Bean, a guinea pig that they can't take on their move to Paris, Suzannah assures the girl that she will find a good home for Jelly Bean. It isn't as easy as Suzannah thought it would be, though. But with the help of her new friends, they concoct "Operation Jelly Bean", an all out attempt to find Jelly Bean a home.
A great book for early readers. Includes fast facts in the back about guinea pigs, ideas for helping animal shelters and directions for some of the animal toys that were used in the story. I'm anxiously awaiting the squad's next adventure.
October 19, 2014
When 2nd grader Suzannah isn't allowed to have pets in her apartment complex, she does the next closest thing to having a pet: she volunteers at an animal shelter. She and the other youth volunteers are determined to find homes for the animals, especially for a guinea pig named Jelly Bean.
December 18, 2016
Joey loved it, and I full on cried for 2 of the 10 chapters.
January 28, 2017
Love because I can relate since I volunteer at an animal shelter.
April 4, 2016
Great transitional chapter book that has heart and a good story line.
November 25, 2019
Jelly Bean goes to the adoption center because his owner is moving away and Suzannah made a promise to find Jelly Bean a new home.One day a man came in and asked how much the guinea pig was worth Suzannah said $20.The man said that was too much for SNAKE FOOD but he still wanted to buy it. Then Suzannah lied and told him Jelly Bean had a made up illness( but she made it up). Then the man left.Kim came in and Suzannah told Kim that she told thee man he could not buy him. Then Kim shouted at her but then Suzannah told Kim about that he was going to be snake food.
Then all of the members agreed that they shouldn't have sold Jellybean to that man. Then Susanna thought of an idea to make a letter to every single teacher . The whole crew decided to help. Then the next week Suzannah thought jelly Bean would be gone and with a new family.But he was still there and she hadn’t brought him food because she was so sure.Then a teacher named Taylor went in and said she wanted to own Jelly Bean.Next time Suzannah went in she had a surprise waiting for her. It was a picture of Jelly Bean and the students together.
The most memorable part was when Jelly Bean was almost sold as snake food.
Then all of the members agreed that they shouldn't have sold Jellybean to that man. Then Susanna thought of an idea to make a letter to every single teacher . The whole crew decided to help. Then the next week Suzannah thought jelly Bean would be gone and with a new family.But he was still there and she hadn’t brought him food because she was so sure.Then a teacher named Taylor went in and said she wanted to own Jelly Bean.Next time Suzannah went in she had a surprise waiting for her. It was a picture of Jelly Bean and the students together.
The most memorable part was when Jelly Bean was almost sold as snake food.
April 28, 2019
This is first in a series of books about a group of children who volunteer at a pet shelter to find new homes for mostly cats and dogs who need them. The author lives in Maine and volunteers at her local animal shelter. The main character here is Suzannah, who is not allowed to have a pet in her apartment so her mother finds the next best thing for her since she is pinning for a pet....volunteering with the local animal shelter. Suzannah makes some new friends who she works with to keep the animals happy. They learn together to help find a new home for a guinea pig named Jelly Bean...and Suzannah saves him from being eaten by a snake.
It's a good read and gives some good reality to the experience of volunteering at an animal shelter!
It's a good read and gives some good reality to the experience of volunteering at an animal shelter!
January 12, 2018
This is a very sweet story about a little girl who can't have a pet so she goes to help out at a shelter.
The story is very informative without shoving it down your throat. The kids make toys for the animals and the workers explain why they are doing what they do.
A sad little girl comes in and must give up her guinea pig,Suzannah works very hard to find Jelly Bean the perfect home. I have to give it to her. I would be too attached to Jelly Bean to be happy to see him go.
It's a very cute story and probably an amazing series for early readers who love animals.
The story is very informative without shoving it down your throat. The kids make toys for the animals and the workers explain why they are doing what they do.
A sad little girl comes in and must give up her guinea pig,Suzannah works very hard to find Jelly Bean the perfect home. I have to give it to her. I would be too attached to Jelly Bean to be happy to see him go.
It's a very cute story and probably an amazing series for early readers who love animals.
September 3, 2019
Early chapter book for 1-3 graders. First in a series. Suzannah's mom suggests she volunteers at the animal shelter since they can't have pets. Good story, kind kids. I liked Suzannah overcoming her fears with help of her little stuffed mouse, the sense of responsiblity she gained by being part of the shelter squad team. The last few chapters are about taking action, instructions for pet toys, facts about guinea pigs and things to think about before getting a pet. Good choice for this group that they can read themselves.
March 15, 2018
Early chapter book for 1-3 graders. Suzannah love animals but lives in an apt and can't have them. She joins the Shelter Pet Squad which volunteers at the animal shelter taking care of animals. Cute story and informative as well. I liked that at the end it has facts about the animal ( guinea pig in this story) and suggestions for play toys. Also plans for action etc.. Would definitely recommend this.
April 8, 2021
Suzannah loves animals, but can't have a pet because she and her parents live in an apartment. So she decides to join the Shelter Pet Squad, a group of kid volunteers at her local animal shelter. There, Suzannah meets some lovable animals, including Jelly Bean a guinea pig. Suzannah is determined to find Jelly Bean a home and works hard (along with the Shelter Pet Squad) to find an owner.
A good early chapter book for animal lovers. Includes some facts about guinea pigs and some activities.
A good early chapter book for animal lovers. Includes some facts about guinea pigs and some activities.
April 2, 2025
This was a cute start of a series about a girl who loves animals but can't have pets. She volunteers at an animal shelter and she is SO empathetic. I could totally relate to feeling actual pain at the idea of the animals being left like that. There is a guinea pig that was dropped off and our main character wants to help get him adopted. Eventually he does get adopted into a kindergarten class. The kids were all working toward the same goal and were kind and lovely!
June 6, 2020
Susannah lives in an apartment and can’t have a pet. Her parents hook her up with the pet shelter where they have a Shelter Pet Squad. She gets a badge to wear and gets to help take care of the animals. I liked that the kids actually learn how to make toys for pets. I think my grandkids will love it.
September 18, 2025
Very cute book perfect for animal lovers who are venturing into chapter books. I really liked that the first book of this shelter pet squad series focused on an animal other than a dog or a cat that ends up in shelters. The facts that were sprinkled throughout were done in a way that felt natural and not forced.
November 7, 2020
I read this with my six year old son Owen. We both enjoyed the story line of the kids who volunteer at a pet shelter. It was just the right length to read 2 chapters a night and get done in about 5 days. Great bridge from picture books to longer books. We’ve already started Book 2 of the series.
December 14, 2020
Juliana re-read this book (the whole thing!) all by herself! 2nd grade - during virtual learning at home due to Covid - she's been doing great setting a timer and reading for 20 minutes in her room. She's read a lot! I'm so proud of her.
May 13, 2021
This book is so cute! It would’ve had 5 stars from me but it did have one incident of lying. The kids and I were able to talk about what would have been a better thing to do in this situation. Age range 3-11
February 18, 2018
This was so cute! It was great to read how they helped make different dog treats into games for the dogs, and how they helped to get Jelly Bean adopted.
October 3, 2018
Great story for kids!!! My kid loved it!!! Now we want to read the other books!!
September 10, 2019
2nd grade read aloud
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews