STANLEY AND THE CLASS PET

In his third outing, Stanley the hamster learns firsthand what happens when you give in to peer pressure. When his turn finally arrives to take class pet Figgy home for the weekend, he and his friend Larry include the bird in everything they do. But when Larry announces that Figgy needs some exercise and should be allowed out of his cage, Stanley doesn’t think that is such a good idea—until Larry’s arguments wear him down. Larry points out that Stanley should not have listened to him, but that does not help them get Figgy back when the bird flies out an open window. Saltzberg’s acrylics perfectly capture both Stanley’s delight in finally acting as caregiver for the bird and his anxiety over choosing between that role and pleasing his friend. A final illustration depicting Figgy perched in a tree with a couple of wild birds sugar-coats the likely end of an escaped pet but will alleviate young readers’ distress on his behalf. An excellent choice for discussions about both peer pressure and friendship. (Picture book. 4-8)