This little gem is translated from the German and it shows. The language is off and on kind of Shakespearean--dramatic and sort of formal and sometimes rhyming. There are illustrations here and there and Freddy speaks in a different wacky font when he gets really excited.

I picked this up because a little kid asked for it at the library the other day in such a haughty way (you'd have thought he was asking for War and Peace or something). I had to see what the young and erudite are reading for fun and I think The Golden Hamster Saga is it. ( )

Freddy is no ordinary golden hamster. After learning to read Freddy wants nothing more than to read more and write. To do this he must leave his current residence. This is a subdued story -- the adventure and emotions never go above a certain level. In my mind Freddy's voice was that of 101 Dalmations' Pongo (1961 version). Perhaps that's why I found his pompous attitude somewhat tolerable? ( )

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Smart hamster, smart humor. If you like this you'd probably also like [b:I, Houdini|427764|I, Houdini|Lynne Reid Banks|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174666201s/427764.jpg|3126282]. It's also somewhat reminiscient of [b:The Mouse and the Motorcycle|232109|The Mouse and the Motorcycle|Beverly Cleary|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172944328s/232109.jpg|2029611]. It's not for the littlest children - rather, it's a step up in both thoughtfulness and reading level compared to [b:My Name Is Stilton, Geronimo Stilton|815272|My Name Is Stilton, Geronimo Stilton (Geronimo Stilton 19)|Geronimo Stilton|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1328866684s/815272.jpg|2403076], and there's no mystery because it's more of a quest to find a home and a coming-of-age story.

Ok, sorry, in case you've not read any of those other books I should say something about this as a work unto itself. Um, it is funny, but in the way life is - not because there are puns and jokes and slapstick. I was utterly charmed by the drawings, especially the ones that make it clear how small a hamster is, and what the world looks like from his eyes.

I liked that Freddy learns to be more able to solve problems and less impulsive, and more understanding of others. I like that most of the other characters are complex, interesting, authentic - not just cardboard in support of Freddy. I like that the author doesn't flinch from the facts of life re' predators & pee-pee, but isn't overly gross. I like that a young reader will not simply be tempted to ask for a pet hamster, but will have an idea of what kind of resources and care it will need.

I like the note on font and book design at the end - addressed to the young readers. I like that there are sequels - if I were a child I'd definitely want to read them all. (Note though that this does stand-alone - you can read this with no worries about a cliff-hanger.)

I don't like how Reiche created the character of Mom - migraines are truly awful, and we who are migraineurs need support, not accusations that we're just being (b)itches. ( )

A charming story similar in vein to Guinea Dog or According to Humphrey.

Freddy is a precocious and intelligent hamster with boundless curiosity. It is a good story of friendship, family, and freedom.

The guinea pigs and Sir William were delightful characters. ( )