Review: Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates by Cheryl B. Klein, Illustrated by Abhi Alwar

Cheryl B. Klein delivers a charming, thoughtful story about two hamsters who could not be more different. Henry is quiet and orderly; Marvin is loud, fast-talking, and endlessly excited about one thing—“Seeds!” After 205 days as roommates, Marvin’s nonstop chatter finally pushes Henry over the edge. Their fallout is brief but meaningful, and their reconciliation is even better: both realize they weren’t truly listening to each other, and open communication helps them find a way to live together in harmony.

The illustrations by Alwar are a standout—expressive, funny, and perfectly tuned for young readers. Kids will easily pick up on the emotions in each scene, and the art adds depth and humor to the story’s message.

A sweet, relatable tale about introverts, extroverts, and the importance of understanding one another. Great for early elementary readers and a solid pick for classroom shelves.

C.Francis 12/11/25