Gerbil on a Mission

February 15, 2012
Obi the gerbil (Obi: Gerbil on the Loose, 2008) is back in action in this simple story about dealing with perceived rejection and making room in one's heart for new friends. Obi is a blissfully happy gerbil who basks in her owner Rachel's affection. Until, that is, the day that Obi witnesses Rachel receive as a birthday present a golden retriever puppy she dubs Kenobi. Rachel begins to lavish attention on her puppy, and Kenobi usurps Obi's position in Rachel's lap during her very favorite pastime--watching Star Wars movies. What's a lonely, rejected gerbil to do? Obi gets some bad advice from a crotchety mouse called Mr. Durkins and tricks Kenobi into running outside and getting lost. Once this plan actually works, Obi is filled with remorse and hatches a plan to find Kenobi and bring him home--but she will have to venture into the great outdoors if this mission is to be successful. Is she brave enough? Is she smart and strong enough to bring Kenobi home? And if she does, will things with Rachel ever be like they were before Kenobi arrived? These animal characters share recognizable foibles with their human readers, revealed in both humorous dialogue and flawed actions. Fast-paced and funny, this installment will bring Obi new fans. (Animal fantasy. 8-11)

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July 1, 2012

Gr 3-5-In this fast-paced sequel to Obi, Gerbil on the Loose! (Dutton, 2008), fourth-grader Rachel gets a puppy for her birthday, and the gerbil burns with jealous amazement when her human gives the newcomer her name. Wanting to get rid of Kenobi once and for all, Obi shows the pup how to get outside ("she did not have a good feeling about what she had just done"). She realizes she's made a huge mistake when Kenobi doesn't return that night or the following day. Summoning all of her Jedi gerbil courage, she sets out into the great wide world to reunite the pup with her beloved Rachel. Quirky black-and-white illustrations support the text. Kids will love visiting the old household pets while being introduced to funny, fresh characters along the way. A sweet, comical story highlighting the consequences of rash action and not listening to your conscience.-Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ

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