I, Freddy

by Dietlof Reiche

Book Overview

Freddy, a remarkably intelligent golden hamster, learns how to read and how to write on a computer and escapes captivity in the pet shop to become an independent and civilized creature. Reprint. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0439283566
• ISBN13: 9780439283564
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Scholastic Press
• Length: 201 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Not just a book for children, but for adults too!

As an adult I enjoyed this book as equally as my little sister, who I bought it for. Not only do I have a hamster named Fred who looks exactly the same as the cover Freddy, but I found his story ridiculously cute and funny. Anyone who loves hamsters or rodents would love this book. The illustrations alone are worth buying.

Review by Catherine R. - 9 years old

With a hamster that can read and write and a little girl named Sophie that is only 6, the troubles will never end. When Gregory (Sophie's dad) buys a golden hamster at the pet store he does not know that he is buying no ordinary golden hamster. Every day Freddy the hamster sits by Sophie, which is know learning how to read. And to his imagination he learns to read, but his writing problem is unsolved because he can't write with a huge pencil. He finds a way to get the pencil and opens his cage to try to be free and to find a way to write. But he didn't know that mom was allergic to hamsters. Next day mom had her allergies and Freddy might have to go back to the evil pet store but thanks to Mr. John (Sophie's dad's friend) Freddy can stay with him. But life may not be easy for Freddy because Mr. John has a tomcat and two guinea pigs which are hamster's worst enemies. I enjoyed very much this mind thrilling book. It's entertaining, has wonderful pictures now and then, and is by me, recommended for ages 7-12. This novel is filled with humor, scary scenes, and extraordinary adventures! I give this book TWO THUMBS UP!

I Love Freddy

(The following review is from my 8 year old son.) I gave it 5 stars because it was exciting, fun, and thrilling. I read many books this summer (27 so far) and this one was my favorite. I can't wait to read the other two. I am going into 3rd grade.

Excellent

I absolutely adore this book. This may not say much since it was a while ago that I was in the target demographics. However, the reason why I even read the book is because we got it two years ago as a Christmas present for my then 7-year-old niece. By the time we presented her with the book's sequel - "Freddy in peril" - last Christmas, she had already bought the book at a school fair with her own pocket money. This book is funny, smart, engaging and does not patronize children in any way. Freddie Auratus is not a one-dimensional character by any means. He is hungry for knowledge, doesn't mind the work that it takes to get there (learning to read and write, that is, which may seem as daunting for a 7-year-old as it for a golden hamster)and he has a keen eye to distinquish between those who are willing to help him and those who want to put obstacles in his way. On the other hand, he is vain, a trifle self-important, all in all a fitting target for the jokes of his new housemates, Enrico and Caruso (two extremely talented guinea pigs). The supporting cast is also well-developed and they work together to nurture Freedy's valuable characteristics while cutting his less desirable traits down to size. By the end of the novel Freddy accomplishes his task, gains insights into his own personality and makes new friends. A fantastic book, highly recommended for adults and kids alike. It's written with a wink to us who may be reading it to them, which makes it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.