City: So what are you reading right now?
Random 9-year-old: Freddy in Peril, which I am near finishing.

What is that book about?
It is about a golden hamster that knows how to read and write.

So it’s a true story?
No.

No?
No, a golden hamster learns to read and write in the first book and in the second book he’s trying to escape Professor Fleischkopf who says that hamsters are capable of reading and writing if certain nerves are connected in their brains. He dissected hamsters’ brains while they’re still alive.

How did Freddy feel about this?
He was scared. Fortunately, he escaped. He got his head shaved by Professor Fleischkopf right here (motions down the center of his scalp) and Enrico and Caruso [Freddy’s friends] made pretend bald spots and put them on their head. Enrico and Caruso made fun of him a little.

There’s a first book?
I, Freddy. It’s about the hamster Freddy learning to read and write.

Why does he want to read and write?
I don’t know. I haven’t read it in a long time.

I thought you read it only two months ago.
Yes, but that’s a long time ago. He wants to learn to read and write for the good of golden hamsters.

A hamster dipped in gold?
Noooo, it isn’t. It’s a type of hamster. As you can see in the picture, his hair has a kind of golden color.

Who wrote the books?
Dietlof Reiche. He knows how to write a good story.

Would you recommend these books to someone else?
Um-hm. It’s a funny book. Kids who like animals and silly animals would like the book.

November, 2005