Book Review: 'Millhouse' by Natale Ghent

✰✰✰✰ Misfits know how difficult it can be to try to fit in. Millhouse, also known as Milly, is a gentle creature who loves the theatre. Once a beloved pet, Milly is put up for sale at a pet shop when his previous owner suddenly dies. Being the new animal in the shop isn’t easy. To make matters worse, Milly is hairless which makes him a target of the pet shop bullies. Life in a pet shop isn't easy, but Milly stays optimistic.

As the days and months go by, Milly makes a friend or two. He also makes an enemy in the form of the Pepper Brown ferret, who makes Milly’s life miserable. Despite many challenges, Milly never stops being his eccentric self. More than anything else he dreams of being adopted, but will anyone ever notice this quiet, sensitive creature? Only time will tell.

The Bottom Line: This charming tale about friendship and just being yourself will appeal to kids ages 7 – 11, who have guinea pigs as pets or who adore animals in general. This is a quick read that is perfect for reading aloud in a classroom setting. This chapter book is also a suitable choice for beginning readers. Finally, Millhouse includes sweet and nostalgic pen and ink style illustrations by the author.

Details: Millhouse by Natale Ghent. Hardcover published by Tundra Books in 2014. 192p. ISBN: 978-1-77049-639-2 NOTE: I received a free copy from Tundra Books in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.