• Age: 0 to 2
• Grade: p to 12
• Reading age: 0 to 2

This follow-up to Kass Reich's bestselling debut, Hamsters Holding Hands, is a charming introduction to basic colors that will fascinate little ones.

This Little Hamster is a spirited playful board book for babies and toddlers. Rhyming couplets and cheerful illustrations will capture the interest of both child and adult readers.

KASS REICH is an artist and educator. She graduated with a degree in Art Education from Concordia University, then worked in Beijing as an early childhood educator for nearly three years. Working with little ones inspired her to start making picture books for young learners. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Kass Reich's profile page

• Commended, Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Books of the Year
• Long-listed, Canadian Booksellers Association (CBA) Libris Prize
• Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books

"A horde of hamsters introduces little ones to colors...As with their first outing, the critters are endearingly drawn."

Kirkus Reviews

"Set against pale backdrops that correspond to 10 colors, the smiley, dumpling-like hamsters proudly display objects in their favorite hues...Once again, the hamsters’ abundant enthusiasm and Reich’s humorous penchant for unexpected props...are a winning combination."

Publishers Weekly

"Youngsters should have no difficulties in locating and identifying the various objects...A very good introduction to colours [that] merits being part of home, as well as institutional, libraries. Highly Recommended."

CM Magazine

"What a darling book! Reich has another hit on her hands...Little ones will love the funny rhymes and the unique hamsters (no two hamsters look alike). Like Hamsters Holding Hands, this book will delight toddlers and the adults who read to them. I hope we have not seen the last of these hamsters! Grandparents, this is a wonderful gift book. I recommend this book for preschools, schools with special-ed programs, public libraries, and home libraries."

Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group

"A delightful concept book...Highly recommended for public libraries and daycares. The book is entertaining as well as educational."

Resource Links

"The adorable critters who counted from one to ten...make a colourful return...The clean layout and design of this board book is appropriate for the intended audience, and thick, sturdy pages will hold up to repeated readings. Babies and toddlers are introduced to the concept of colour recognition as an eclectic assortment of objects is presented in each hamster’s favourite hue...Reich’s sprightly verse is rollicking fun to read aloud and tricky rhymes are handled with equally witty aplomb...Reich’s hand drawn and digitally enhanced roly-poly rodents have pin-prick eyes and charming grins and the illustrations showcase their antics, such as playing with a spool of thread and balancing on top of a juice box. Young children will enjoy recognizing and identifying the colours and pictures on the pages which have everything from a yellow rubber duck, to a green bubble-blowing machine. This well-designed board book offers plenty of opportunities for caregivers and children to explore early learning concepts together."

National Reading Campaign blog