Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster

Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster 

by Mayra Calvani

Grown-up's Review:
Humberto the Bookworm Hamster is a heartwarming tale about a hampster, Humberto, who loves reading so much, he doesn't seem to have time for anything else-not even playing with his neighbors.


After tragedy strikes his neighborhood, and the other animals are in great need, Humberto learns that books are even more special when he shares them with others.


This is a sweet book whose theme and setting brings to mind one of my favorite movies, Once Upon a Forest.


The idea of community being more important than isolation, and that books can bring comfort in tragic situations is a valid and important theme, which author Mayra Calvani presents in a most subtle way.


The illustrations by Kit Grady are comfortingly simple, yet bright and happy with wonderful colors and a magic quality that brings the stories within the story to life.


Child's Review:
I think this is a good book, though there are some sad parts such as when Humberto wouldn't come out and play with his friends and when his books got ruined.  But it still was a really good book and Humberto the Bookworm Hamster reminded me of my dog because he's little and the same color.  I think this book is good because it teaches people a lesson of friendship.  I also like the drawings, especially the horse.  I would like to have this book in my collection! (7 years old)


About the author:

Mayra Calvani is a multi-genre author and professional reviewer.  She loves writing for children as well as adults.  She's a regular contributor to Blogcritics Magazine, Suite 101 and the Latino Books Examiner.  She is the author of the picture books, The Magic Violin, Crash! and Chocalin! (Spanish Edition Crash) also published by Guardian Angel Publishing.  Mayra Calvani is a member of The Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators.

You can visit Mayra at:

Mayra's Secret Bookcase
Mayra's Secret Bookcase Blog

About the Illustrator:

Kit Grady is a full time children’s illustrator and author living in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. Her love for drawing animals, nature and children began very early. She continued her passion studying art at Virginia Commonwealth University and later studied under Caldecott winners Uri Shulevitz and Gale Haley..

You can visit Kit at:

Kit Grady to learn more about the artist and see more illustrations.



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