This is a quick read, which I read aloud to my 4 & 5 year olds in one day. We all really liked this book, but I found that I had to edit numerous times as I read. There was name calling and other just "off" things that I didn't want my kids to hear and repeat. It probably depends on what you allow, but I would just want other readers to be aware of that going in. Characters were fun and endearing, and the story was cute and definitely kept our attention. ( )

A cute story. ( )

This is the first chapter book that I've read to my 3.5 year old son. I wasn't sure he was ready to listen and follow the thread of a story over multiple nights, but he did really well. We read a little before bed each night and he looked forward to it. We'll still read primarily picture books for a long time to come, but I think we'll continue with chapter books as well.

As far as this actual book, it was a gift from Grandma which is why it was our first. It was cute - talking animals and a small mystery. My son loved the humor in the book. There is a pig named Ernest and bird named Gabby who have (mild) arguments. We had to read several of those pages many times over. I think there are others in this series and I could see us reading some more of them. ( )

Very sweet--a story of an unlikely family of animals, their Grampa, and what happens when a new addition arrives.

A sweet little book about Grampa Bender who is a veterinarian and boards animals. He has his own crew of animals who help him with his work. His little pig, Ernest, helps with the chores, his Mynah bird, Gabby, answers the phone and his cat Milly makes sure that he is warm and clean. In this book his animals get a little out of sorts because he spends a lot of time with a baby animal he has brought home to nurse back to health.