Oh, Theodore!

by Susan Katz

Come meet a plump, fuzzy guinea pig with a big appetite, a lot to say, and a personality all his own. As you, and his new owner, get to know him, you'll find out what he eats and how he speaks. You'll also discover the work involved in caring for a feeding, cleaning, and taking him out for exercise. But it hardly seems like work once your pet becomes your best friend.
With the popularity of guinea pigs as family and classroom pets, Theodore's antics are sure to ring true to many readers. And for those who haven't had a guinea pig of their own, these short, funny, and accessible poems will create a vivid first impression.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Animal Fiction, Juvenile

48 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2007

About the author

Susan Katz is the Camp Fire Girl on the left in the photo, which is what she still looks like on the inside. On the outside, she's morphed into the author of eight children's books.

Her first book was a middle-grade novel, SNOWDROPS FOR COUSIN RUTH, winner of the Paterson Prize and a Publishers' Weekly Flying Start honor.

Her most recent books are THE PRESIDENT'S STUCK IN THE BATHTUB (Clarion Books, Feb., 2012), a Junior Library Guild selection, and the humorous science-fiction e-book, FLAT LIKE FRED. story of the boy who saved the Earth from alien tadpoles and the planet Bovine (where the cow who jumped over the moon landed) from its terrible mouse-elephant rampages.

Her picture book. OH, THEODORE! was an Oprah Pick, winner of a Utah Beehive Award and a Texas 2 x 2 Award, as well as a selection of the New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing.

WHEN THE SHADBUSH BLOOMS, co-authored with Carla Messinger - the story of two Lenni Lenape girls living through the round of the seasons, one in modern times and one in historical times - was a finalist for a National Children's Choice Book award.

Currently she's working on the final stages of a new children's novel, THE UNKNOWN LAND, and a collection of poems about Theodore Roosevelt and his six children, ARCHIE AND QUENTIN, Poems of a White House Childhood.

Reviews

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Level: Preschool - 3rd grade
This is a collection of poems about life with a guinea pig. Having had guinea pigs as pets, I really felt the author captured all the experiences of caring for and enjoying this type of pet - from the noises it makes to the love it brings. The pictures are very cute and capture the essence of each poem. This is a Monarch book choice for 2011.
This would be a great mentor text for students to write their own poems about a pet they have or wish they had!

[(NS) Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story depicts a growing friendship between a boy and the only pet he's allowed to have, a guinea pig. When Mom vetoes the loud dog, scary snake and big horse, the boy brings home a creature "soft, plump, fuzzy, brown—like a teddy bear" and names him Theodore. At first, Theodore is wary but the boy's quiet gentleness soon wins his trust and he begins making all those sounds—wheet, chrrrr, peep, squeep, chut and woootz—unique to guinea pigs. Theodore's temporary disappearance adds suspense to the story until he's found hiding in the spaghetti pot.
The illustrations of the story are very warm and inviting. The verses are written in kid-friendly language with the mood running from goofy to happy to sad. A variety of topics are covered within the story; from feeding and playing, to washing and cleaning bowls and water bottles. This would be a good story to emphasize the responsibility of owning a pet.

This story would be appropriate for students in kindergarten through second grades.

[N_Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever cared for your own pet or just love animals, this is a book for you! Oh Theodore! is a book of poems all about a little boys pet guinea pig and can be enjoyed by all readers.

The book begins with the young narrator, a boy, telling his mom he wants a pet. When his mother turns down all his pet selections he ends up with a guinea pig- A soft, plump, fuzzy, brown, teddy bear-like pet that he names Theodore. Theodore has a big appetite, a unique personality, and a lot to say. Readers will get to know this animal well and the work that comes along with taking care of a pet. The narrator and pet quickly become best friends in this humorous yet loving story.

The illustrations are vivid paintings done using a palette of browns, blues, and greens and plenty of white space to add appeal to the short text that it accompanies. The book highlights patients, responsibility, humor, and love that is sure to grab readers.

[RachelAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5) A very sweet book of poems chonicling the relationship between a young boy and his pet guinea pig. Whether or not you've ever had a guinea pig, you'll come to more keenly appreciate the anxieties and allure of these small, nibbling creatures. Katz does a lovely job of evoking Theodore as a presence and personality in his caretaker's life.

[Yamile Méndez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! The first young reader in verse form I've ever encountered an I totally loved it!

[Marilyn]

This is a sweet collection of short poems that follow the story of a growing friendship between a boy and a guinea pig. Each poem has its own title, but they are meant to be read in order as a narrative.

Katz does a very good job of working info about guinea pigs into the story - what they eat, the noises they make, common behaviours, what's involved for caring as one as a pet - but my favourite poem was SIZE which, combined with Schuett's illustration, does a great job of showing Theodore's perspective and demonstrating the empathy the boy has for Theodore, helping the reader build the same.

My only problem with this book is that it shows Theodore as an only pet, and guinea pigs are social animals who are generally happier living in pairs. I was really hoping the end was going to include Theodore getting a guinea pig friend as well, but that doesn't happen.

This book has a lot of potential uses for parents and educators alike (for example, along with the animal behaviour and care lessons and the empathy-building, one illustration features a dotted line showing Theodore's route which could be tied into map making activities while another has the boy finding evidence of Theodore's presence through chew marks, which could be tied to an outdoor activity of looking for signs of animals in a nature).

I found out about this book through the Red Rover Readers program in the US, which I highly recommend googling if you're an educator.

[Arminzerella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book of connected poems tells the story of a boy and his guinea pig, Theodore, incorporating really well the guinea pig nature (all their noises and behaviors), Theodore's unique personality, the care he requires, and the friendship/love that develops between the boy and his peeg. Gets my Wheek! of approval!

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was almost like a story, all the poems connected together, poems about a boy's pet Guinea Pig, Theodore. The poems were adorable and enjoyable and it was an easy read. The illustrations were cute too.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poems about a guinea pig with a story arc of getting a new pet, the joys and sorrows and the fear of a lost and found pet .

[skcocnaH · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent illustrations.
I didn’t like this type of poetry.

[Allison Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He’s soft, plump, fuzzy, brown
–like a teddy bear.
So I name him
Theodore."

Meet Theodore and his new owner, a boy who really wanted a dog, but got a guinea pig instead. Theodore is cute and fuzzy, loes to make lettuce disappear, and scurries around his new house. At first, it’s hard to be Theodore’s master, because he seems so scared and won’t let anyone pet him. But slowly, after time, Theodore learns to trust him and the two become best friends.

Each page of this book is written as a poem, and together, all the poems tell the story of Theodore and his new home. The illustrations perfectly show you Theodore’s expressions and sometimes silly personality. I fell in love with this little guinea pig!

[babyhippoface · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through a series of short poems, a boy describes his budding friendship with his new pet, a fluffy guinea pig he names Theodore. For his part, Theodore squeaks, scurries, purrs, and whistles his way from nervous newcomer to fuzzy friend. The poetry carries the tale superbly, creating vivid images in very few words. Large acrylics echo the poetry's simplicity; the up-close perspectives pull the reader right into the relationship between boy and guinea pig. Share this book to inspire students' own pet poetry.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this simple story told through a collection of poems. The poems in this story are arranged in such a way that a story is told about a little boy and his new pet, Theodore, a guinea pig. Having had a guinea pig when I was young, I could easily relate to the development of the relationship between the boy and his new pet. I think that this would be a great book to read to young children when introducing a new pet at school/home or when introducing the pet to a new set of children in the classroom. I cannot wait to read it to the children in my classroom!

[Michelle Jacobs]

The story told amongst the poems in this book is of a boy who gets a pet guinea pig and names him Theodore. They have fun and silly times together doing ordinary things, but then one day Theodore is lost. By the end he comes, back and the boy is happy for the return of his furry friend.
This is a poem compilation that tells a story across poems. Each poem has a title that gives a hint to what the boy is thinking about his guinea pig friend. The colorful illustrations capture the bond between the boy and his pet, and it is heart wrenching, when the guinea pig goes missing.

[Ina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told through short poems, this is the story of a boy (who wanted a dog) and the pet guinea pig his parents allow him to have. Although their relationship is a bit rocky at the beginning, with each page turn, we see their relationship grow and develop. Sweet illustrations filled with love make this a "story" that will entertain a story time audience and will make the reader fall in love with Theodore. This book would also be a great way to introduce poetry to a young child, or for a child who needs to memorize a poem for an assignment and wants something short.

[Taylor Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: This poem book tells the story of a boy who gets a pet guinea pig named Theodore. Different poems in the book describe the characteristics of Theodore and the love the boy and Theodore share as they become best friends.

Activity: A different student will take care of the class pet guinea pig each week and tell the class the following week what responsibilities they had to take care of and what they liked about the guinea pig. Students can also write a poem if they like about the class pet.

[JustOneMoreBook.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forty-six pages of engaging illustration and thirty-four distinct, rhyme-free poems share the reluctant introduction, suspenseful separation and joyous reunion of a young boy and his surprisingly expressive new pet.

You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told in verse this is the story of Theodore a guinea pig and his "big scary giant". The illustrations were so darling that I (and all of the students) were wishing for a pet guinea pig at the end of the story, and I'm not even a pet person. I especially liked the verse and picture of Theodore and how he has no tail. A good story to share about pets and what is required to take care of them. The votes came in as: Loved it = 275, Liked it = 30, Didn't like it = 17.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book of poetry about Theodore, a delightful little guinea pig. He has a big appetite and an even bigger personality. The poems do a great job of introducing the reader to the responsibility of having a pet. The poems in this story are very cute, entertaining, and well written. The pictures bring to life Theodore and make the reader wish he was there own. I would love to have this book as part of my classroom library.

[Patti Bonk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book of poems that chronicles the story of a little boy who badly wanted a pet and is finally allowed to get a guinea pig. This is not his first choice for a pet, so he is reluctant at first, but eventually bonds with and ends up loving his guinea pig. Each page is a separate poem about each phase of Theodore's arrival and care. All together, they tell the story of his pet becoming a part of his family and a very special part of the young boy's life.

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently it is no secret that I like guinea pigs - since this book just magically showed up on hold for me at the library.

The poems are cute, and this would be a great thing to read to a child that just got a guinea pig for the first time.

It's also super awesome for anyone that just loves guinea pigs, like myself. Though my Gizmo is a million times cuter and cooler than this Theodore!

Real Rating: 3.5

[Sharon Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for Week 7 Poetry
This is a cute book about a guinea pig named Theodore by Susan Katz. The illustrations, by Stacey Schuett, are charming and lively. The boy wants a pet and ends up getting a guinea pig. Each page is a poem depicting the boy taking care of his new pet. It's a very charming story that the author was inspired to write because of her son's first pet guinea pig. It's a fun read-aloud for Preschool - 2nd. I will use this when we begin our poetry unit.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never had a guinea pig as a pet, but after reading these poems, I had to suppress the urge to run out and get one! The poems describe a boy and his pet guinea pig as they get used to and grow fond of each other. The illustrations were cute too. I didn't know guinea pigs made any noise. I must order this for my library's children's poetry collection.

[Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is vital to teach students a variety of poems in order to learn language features. Also, teaching poems helps children to manipulate language. I believe that this book is wonderful to teach adjectives to describe animals as poem. Children will love the illustrations and in particular Guinea Pig.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A narrative collection of poems about a boy's pet guinea pig. Many of the poems can stand alone but the book is best enjoyed as a story. This is a charming, sweet story about a responsible boy and how he cares for his pet. A great addition to any elementary unit about pets or a good pairing for any number of pet stories.

[Natalie Schmitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little boy is at the pet store. The only thing his mom will allow him to get is a Guinea Pig. He names his new pet Theodore. Reading the poems about Theodore makes you fall in love with the little creature. This book is great to teach students the different formats of poems. This book could also be used in science when talking about living and non living things.

[Maureen Sheehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This poetry picture book has a very nice flow to it because many of the poems rhyme. The story is really enhanced by the illustrations of the cute guinea pig, Theodore, who is the first pet of the boy in the book. The endearing pictures and story make this a likable book for any pet lover. I would recommend this to any primary or elementary student.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Susan Katz gives her readers the life of a guinea pig through poems. The poem reflects everything from bringing home the guinea pig to him becoming his owner's best friend. The pictures in the book are oversized with a white background. This is great for young readers to look at. The age range for this book is 4-7 years.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about a boy and his first pet, Theodore, the guinea pig. Shy,nervous,and skiddish at first, Theodore slowly warms up to the boy who loves him and cares for him. Beautiful, colorful, imaginative illustrations accompany this picture book.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

2007 - Poetry

In this book, we are presented with poems that relate to having a guinea pig as a pet. I think that this book could be useful when presenting kids with the idea that they can write about many different things about one topic.