Natale Ghent

Millhouse, or Milly, as he prefers to be known, is a hairless guinea pig who was brought up in the theatre by the great Shakespearean actor, Sir Roderick Lord Kingswagger. Milly became just as knowledgeable and well-versed in Shakespeare and enjoyed squeaking along with every line and striking an appropriate pose. When Sir Roderick died Millhouse ended up in a pet shop where the other residents did not appreciate his talents. Milly persevered, his natural upbeat character shining through. show more

This is a captivating story that encourages acceptance of others no matter how different, while at the same time remaining positive in the face of bullying. Ghent's endearing pen and ink illustrations are just right. Recommended for middle grade children or any child who is beginning to enjoy chapter books. For the writing, story, illustrations, and the subtle message, this one earns a full five stars. show less

When twelve-year-old Nathaniel and his two sisters discover an ad in the paper for a free pony, they can hardly believe their luck. But what will their mother say? Mom's been having a hard time ever since Dad walked out on them four years ago. But caring for a pony might keep Nat and his older sister, Cid, from bickering, and it would mean so much to eight-year-old Queenie. It takes some serious persuasion — and a promise to use Nat's paper route money for the pony’s keep — but Mom show more finally relents.
And so begins a year of self-discovery, as Nat struggles to deal with his father's absence; look out for his younger sister, who is "different"; and recover from having his heart broken by a rich, pretty girl from school. Life is not always easy, but Nat knows that Smokey, his very own pony, will be waiting for him at the end of each day. Or will he? show less

Cute and sweet, but in the end not extraordinary. Some of the pieces don't quite match up with the others, though they stand well on their own. Still--a goods children's book with an ensemble of fun characters. Would recommend to an enthusiastic young reader. Gets bumped up to for starts for the Shakespeare and occasional verse.

Ever since his former owner died, Millhouse (or Milly, as he prefers to be called) has lived at a rather unsuccessful pet shop. The other small animals at the shop make fun of him for his theatrical ambitions, and because he is a hairless guinea pig. Indeed, his appearance has proved off-putting to more than one potential buyer, and Milly wonders if he will spend his entire friendless life in a cage at the shop. Fortunately for Milly, friendship awaits in unexpected places, and there may yet show more be the perfect home out there just for him.

This book wanted to be one of those sweet and charming animal stories, but I found it only moderately successful. Milly's foibles didn't make me like him better, and although I did thoroughly dislike the other guinea pigs at the pet shop, I didn't think they were particularly distinct or at all well-developed characters. Perhaps young readers who really love stories of animals (and guinea pigs in particular) will embrace this book more than I did, but I'm just not feeling it. show less