Gerbil on a Mission!

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