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Sammy: The Classroom Guinea Pig
Something is wrong with Sammy, the beloved pet in Ms. B's class, and no one is sure what to do.
Usually Sammy is happy in his cage, with his little house and his soft blue sock, but today is different. What could it be?
Join Ms. B and the children as they try to figure out what is the matter with Sammy, and learn a little more about guinea pigs.
Usually Sammy is happy in his cage, with his little house and his soft blue sock, but today is different. What could it be?
Join Ms. B and the children as they try to figure out what is the matter with Sammy, and learn a little more about guinea pigs.
32 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2005
About the author
Alix Berenzy
11 books6 followersAlix Berenzy is an American children's book author and illustrator. Born in New York in 1957, she was raised in suburban New Jersey, and was educated at Columbus College of Art and Design (1974–76) and Philadelphia College of Art (1979–81). She worked as an art director in the advertising field in the 1970s, before launching a career as a freelance illustrator in 1982. She has written and illustrated three books of her own, and has illustrated a number of books by other authors.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 20, 2022
I stumbled across this little gem and happened to crack it open. So glad I did!
It's a lovely story about a guinea pig that... just seems to be a guinea pig! So simple and straightforward, but I was fascinated just the same. I learned a great deal about their behavior while being extremely entertained and invested in the story.
Kids books are such bizarre and wonderful things. There was no magic in this, no fantasy (aside from experiencing Sammy's POV--sort of--but even that seemed realistic), and it all takes place in the one classroom in the span of maybe a couple hours. And I found it far more engrossing than the last few blockbusters I saw in the theater!
It's a lovely story about a guinea pig that... just seems to be a guinea pig! So simple and straightforward, but I was fascinated just the same. I learned a great deal about their behavior while being extremely entertained and invested in the story.
Kids books are such bizarre and wonderful things. There was no magic in this, no fantasy (aside from experiencing Sammy's POV--sort of--but even that seemed realistic), and it all takes place in the one classroom in the span of maybe a couple hours. And I found it far more engrossing than the last few blockbusters I saw in the theater!
Read
November 12, 2016Super sweet with lovely pictures=D
October 14, 2011
I ound myself learning about guinea pigs throughout this story. It was very good. Having been in classes growing up that had guinea pigs this was easily relatable for me. I liked the guinea pig facts included at the end.
October 16, 2016
This was SOOOO cute!!!
April 13, 2023
A sweet book, also easy and simple as art as story.
February 1, 2019
“Sammy, the Classroom Guinea Pig” by Alix Berenzy is a heartwarming tale of a group of students and their beloved classroom pet. He worries them one day by loudly squealing, “Wheep! Wheep!” and they carefully investigate what could possibly be wrong with him. In the end, they discover that showing compassion and respect to your friends, even the four legged kind, is important.
This story exemplifies the genre of contemporary realistic fiction in several ways. The students in the story experience a typical modern day problem that is relevant and significant to elementary school readers. Taking care of a pet is perhaps the first responsibility many students have at home and they will sympathize with the characters who worry when Sammy, the guinea pig, acts differently one day. With the use of pictures and sounds, the author brings the readers along for an emotional ride. First, they will feel concern as Sammy squeals and the illustrations show worried faces in the classroom. There is an ease in tension as Sammy starts exploring, making musical sounds such as “Doot! Dutt, Dutt, Deet” and a sense of relief as he snuggles in Maria’s soft, pink sweater. As with many realistic fiction books, the readers learn about others and may make connections, recognizing themselves in the story. The illustrations of the students in the story show a diverse population of girls and boys, possibly in third grade. This problem could happen to anyone. Sammy had been lonely and wanted attention, which are feelings that most readers have experienced and may want to discuss.
The story is just so rich in content, that there are many skills and strategies that could be taught using this book. The first is figurative language, specifically the use of onomatopoeia. Sammy makes several sounds in the book, such as “Wheep! Wheep” and “Whutt Whutt Whutt”. This book also lends itself easily to a lesson in making predictions. Why is Sammy squealing? Additionally, you could use this book for a lesson in cause and effect. If he was sick, how would he act? If he was hurt, how would he act? Finally, you could practice making connections to the text. Have you ever felt lonely? Did you ever worry about a pet?
There are opportunities to extend this book in other areas of the curriculum. You could spend some time with character education and discuss random acts of kindness. Students could take time to make someone feel appreciated that maybe is otherwise taken for granted. You could link it to a nonfiction unit and research more about guinea pigs. You could link it to writing and encourage use of onomatopoeia in their narratives. The possibilities are truly vast! This is why “Sammy the Classroom Guinea Pig” is one of my favorite realistic fiction books and a must have for every teacher’s bookshelf.
This story exemplifies the genre of contemporary realistic fiction in several ways. The students in the story experience a typical modern day problem that is relevant and significant to elementary school readers. Taking care of a pet is perhaps the first responsibility many students have at home and they will sympathize with the characters who worry when Sammy, the guinea pig, acts differently one day. With the use of pictures and sounds, the author brings the readers along for an emotional ride. First, they will feel concern as Sammy squeals and the illustrations show worried faces in the classroom. There is an ease in tension as Sammy starts exploring, making musical sounds such as “Doot! Dutt, Dutt, Deet” and a sense of relief as he snuggles in Maria’s soft, pink sweater. As with many realistic fiction books, the readers learn about others and may make connections, recognizing themselves in the story. The illustrations of the students in the story show a diverse population of girls and boys, possibly in third grade. This problem could happen to anyone. Sammy had been lonely and wanted attention, which are feelings that most readers have experienced and may want to discuss.
The story is just so rich in content, that there are many skills and strategies that could be taught using this book. The first is figurative language, specifically the use of onomatopoeia. Sammy makes several sounds in the book, such as “Wheep! Wheep” and “Whutt Whutt Whutt”. This book also lends itself easily to a lesson in making predictions. Why is Sammy squealing? Additionally, you could use this book for a lesson in cause and effect. If he was sick, how would he act? If he was hurt, how would he act? Finally, you could practice making connections to the text. Have you ever felt lonely? Did you ever worry about a pet?
There are opportunities to extend this book in other areas of the curriculum. You could spend some time with character education and discuss random acts of kindness. Students could take time to make someone feel appreciated that maybe is otherwise taken for granted. You could link it to a nonfiction unit and research more about guinea pigs. You could link it to writing and encourage use of onomatopoeia in their narratives. The possibilities are truly vast! This is why “Sammy the Classroom Guinea Pig” is one of my favorite realistic fiction books and a must have for every teacher’s bookshelf.
November 17, 2019
Sammy The Classroom Guinea Pig by Alex Berenzy is a story about a classroom pet in a younger children's classroom. The guinea pig started to make weird “wheeping” noises and the students and the teachers could not figure out what was wrong with him. Throughout the book the students try different things to make the guinea pig happy, like changing his water and feeding him fresh grass. By the end of the book one of the students picked up the guinea pig to hold him and finally the weeping sound stopped. The only thing that the guinea pig needed was a hug. I do think that this is a very cute and clever children's book. It appeals to any gender audience and could be referred to in a real life situation. This book can help kids understand compassion for animals and for humans. This book can easily keep kids engaged by the way the narrator uses vocabulary that is not hard for them to understand.
March 20, 2016
12/08: This one captured the boys' hearts. They became increasingly concerned about Sammy and were much relieved to find out he was O.K. and just needed some lovin'.
Amazon Book Description:
Something is wrong with Sammy, the beloved pet in Ms. B's class, and no one is sure what to do.
Usually Sammy is happy in his cage, with his little house and his soft blue sock, but today is different. What could it be? Join Ms. B and the children as they try to figure out what is the matter with Sammy, and learn a little more about guinea pigs.
Amazon Book Description:
Something is wrong with Sammy, the beloved pet in Ms. B's class, and no one is sure what to do.
Usually Sammy is happy in his cage, with his little house and his soft blue sock, but today is different. What could it be? Join Ms. B and the children as they try to figure out what is the matter with Sammy, and learn a little more about guinea pigs.
December 2, 2014
Sammy, The classroom Guinea Pigs is a great book for children. Sammy, is the classrooms pet. It gives a significant amount of information about guinea pigs. Not only is it a great and cute story for children to read, but it is also an informative book; that will help kids learn more about the animal. The pictures look very realistic, and Sammy is really pretty. Open the book and start learning and reading about Sammy!
May 26, 2010
Sammy is a guinea pig who lives in a classroom. One day when the students come in, he starts squeaking for no reason and the class tries to figure out what is wrong.
The illustrations in this book are awesome and quite realistic (take it from someone who has had 5 guinea pigs).
The illustrations are pastel and colored pencil.
The illustrations in this book are awesome and quite realistic (take it from someone who has had 5 guinea pigs).
The illustrations are pastel and colored pencil.
January 17, 2010
This is the story of a pet guinea pig. He gets lonely over the weekend with no attention. The book has simple text and pictures appropriate for younger readers. Included at the end is a list of facts about guinea pigs and their habits. Suited for children 4 years old and up.
March 30, 2013
I liked this book.
It was well done and the author knows A LOT about guinea pigs.
It's a quiet story and focuses a lot of the guinea pig.
The illustrations are very realistic.
A child who wants a pet guinea pig or who has one and loves him will like this book as well.
It was well done and the author knows A LOT about guinea pigs.
It's a quiet story and focuses a lot of the guinea pig.
The illustrations are very realistic.
A child who wants a pet guinea pig or who has one and loves him will like this book as well.
December 18, 2015
What is wrong with Sammy the class guinea pig? Clearly he is distraught but whatever can it be? A fun read aloud to share with children that also teaches about the challenges and fun of having a pet.
January 21, 2019
This little book is outstanding! The illustrations are beautiful and realistic. The story is light and fun and educational. I loved it.
A quick read for an adult. A great picture book for very little ones. A nice read for beginner readers.
A quick read for an adult. A great picture book for very little ones. A nice read for beginner readers.
May 4, 2020
This book is so cute! The guinea pig, oh my gosh, is adorable. I can just hear the guinea pig noises as I read this book. The illustrations are adorable, you learn a bit about guinea pigs, and it's a nice story about a classroom pet. Low-key want to own a guinea pig now...one day...
December 19, 2011
Mommy says: We have a guinea pig now so all these guinea pig books are very well received.
June 14, 2016
Omg, I love this book! I'm nearly 16 and I still enjoy reading this!
August 2, 2016
Jacob read this to us..krb 8/1/16
June 17, 2018
Such a sweet and touching little story! Sammy reminds me of my little dog Teddy!
December 13, 2020
This book is very useful and informative and well adapted for children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2023
»»» A compra:
Ficou na lista de compras (depois de ter visto nas sugestões da Amazon) pela fofura da capa e da arte interior.
»»» A aventura:
Sammy, um porquinho-da-índia, vive na sua gaiola numa sala de aula, amado por todos. Um dia a professora e os alunos apercebem-se que ele não está descansado como normalmente e tentam perceber o que se passa com o bichinho.
»»» Sentimento final:
Muito bonito.
Um livro simples, pequeno, que nos dá um pouco da forma de comunicar a agir de um porquinho-da-índia.
Com dicas sobre o comportamento destes fofos no final.
Encantador em todos os sentidos.
»»» Nota final (capa e outras considerações):
--- [Capa] – Uma ternura, como não gostar?
--- [Ilustração] – A ilustração está muito bem conseguida, o traço é lindíssimo e quase podemos agarrar este fofinho porquinho-da-índia.
--- [Tipo de letra] – A letra escolhida para este livro não é má, mas dá-lhe um ar algo amador.
--- [Tamanho] – Livro fininho, mas satisfatório, nada ficou por contar.
»»» Uma espreitadela:
Ficou na lista de compras (depois de ter visto nas sugestões da Amazon) pela fofura da capa e da arte interior.
»»» A aventura:
Sammy, um porquinho-da-índia, vive na sua gaiola numa sala de aula, amado por todos. Um dia a professora e os alunos apercebem-se que ele não está descansado como normalmente e tentam perceber o que se passa com o bichinho.
»»» Sentimento final:
Muito bonito.
Um livro simples, pequeno, que nos dá um pouco da forma de comunicar a agir de um porquinho-da-índia.
Com dicas sobre o comportamento destes fofos no final.
Encantador em todos os sentidos.
»»» Nota final (capa e outras considerações):
--- [Capa] – Uma ternura, como não gostar?
--- [Ilustração] – A ilustração está muito bem conseguida, o traço é lindíssimo e quase podemos agarrar este fofinho porquinho-da-índia.
--- [Tipo de letra] – A letra escolhida para este livro não é má, mas dá-lhe um ar algo amador.
--- [Tamanho] – Livro fininho, mas satisfatório, nada ficou por contar.
»»» Uma espreitadela:
July 3, 2024
The illustrations are absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. I've rarely seen guinea pigs drawn so realistically for a children's book. The illustrator, also the author, clearly loves guinea pigs.
She also knows their sounds, diet, and housing requirements. After the story, there is a short page of guinea pig facts. Granted, there's not much of a plot, but still a fine book for guinea pig lovers.
We had never had classroom pets at my crappy Christian school. Considering that there usually wasn't any heating, and certainly no air conditioning, that was probably a good thing. At one time, classroom pets were a great idea. Not now, sadly. Too many sickos in schools that love to torture animals to death.
I read this on The Open Library. I do not know long it will be allowed to stay up on the website.
She also knows their sounds, diet, and housing requirements. After the story, there is a short page of guinea pig facts. Granted, there's not much of a plot, but still a fine book for guinea pig lovers.
We had never had classroom pets at my crappy Christian school. Considering that there usually wasn't any heating, and certainly no air conditioning, that was probably a good thing. At one time, classroom pets were a great idea. Not now, sadly. Too many sickos in schools that love to torture animals to death.
I read this on The Open Library. I do not know long it will be allowed to stay up on the website.
March 11, 2021
This is a nice story about a class that has a guinea pig. The animal starts complaining, and the class does problem-solving to figure out what is wrong with it. The book is good for teaching a practical use of the scientific method in daily life. It also shows how to be caring for a pet, and tells information about guinea pigs.
July 2, 2022
Sammy is a charming classroom guinea pig who knows how to express his feelings with his impressive vocabulary of WHEEPs, squeals, shrieks, and chuckles. After Sammy emits a loud WHEEP, the teacher and students thoughtfully and carefully examine Sammy and determine he is feeling lonely after the long weekend. During this journey, they discuss the emotions behind each of Sammy’s sounds and help him feel better. What a great way to talk about how our body language can help us figure out each other’s emotions. The illustrations are also so adorable you won’t be able to contain all the SQUEES and may end up competing with Sammy for making the loudest noises.
August 23, 2022
I love the book, educational to teach people more about guinea pigs, so cute. I love it.
October 10, 2025
A look at Guinea Pig behavior as Sammy the classroom guinea pig startles and surprises the entire classroom with his actions on a Monday morning.
December 26, 2015
Super sweet book that made me think of Sassie pig :D
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews