FINCH, Kate (text) John Steven Gurney (illus.) Calling All Pets! Scholastic, (Pet Hotel) 2014 77pp $7.99 pbk +e ISBN 9781743621844 SCIS 1643457
Meg and Charlie are twins, and, with their parents, have moved into their great, great aunt’s Diamond Hotel in bustling Gazebo Square. Unfortunately, the hotel proves to be very run down, and has no guests. It is, however, a fascinating building with a basement pool, a quaint lift, interestingly decorated rooms, a wonderful roof garden and Aunt Saffron who is a delight. A solution to the hotel’s problems comes when the twins puppy-sit Paco, a neighbour’s pup, and the idea is born to transform Diamond Hotel into a hotel for pets.
A lively, entertaining chapter book, it has large clear print, short sentences, an interesting vocabulary, cheerful black and white illustrations, attractive characters, and is packed full of animal-related incidents and activity. It is the first in a new series that should be a hit with young animal-mad readers. Recommended for Years 2 – 3.
reviewed by Joy Steward