From Publishers Weekly An errant hamster and his quest for freedom are the subject of Banks's fast-paced story. Ages 8-12. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information， Inc. From School Library Journal Grade 3-6. Anyone who's ever had a hamster for a pet or dreamed of having one will be captivated by this story， narrated by the author Lynne Reid Banks. She has just the right note of superiority in her voice as she reads this first person narrative. Houdini is a precocious hamster who， because of his desire for freedom at all costs， faces some exciting and dangerous adventures. The human characters in the story may think that they own Houdini， but he is too independent a spirit to ever fully belong to anyone. The story is lively and imaginative， and Banks' narration more than does it justice. She makes all of the characters come alive through Houdini's eyes. Careful listeners will also come away with a greater understanding of a hamster's habits and life cycle.Edith Ching， St. Albans School for Boys， Washington， DCCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information， Inc. See all Editorial Reviews"