Freddy in Peril: Book Two in the Golden Hamster Saga - Hardcover

Dietlof Reiche's middle-grade and young adult novels have garnered many awards in his native Germany, including the German Juvenile Literature Award and the Oldenburg's Children's Book Prize.

Born in Dresden, Germany, in 1942, Reiche spent his early childhood in the village of Nördlingen, the town where his first historical novel Der Bleisiegelfälscher (The Lead Seal Counterfeiter), is set. Before becoming a full-time writer of children's books, Reiche studied engineering. He later took an academic position at Darmstadt Technical University, followed by studies in sociology, and work as a graphic designer.

Many of Reiche's books are historical fiction, but he also enjoys mixing history with fantastic elements, and often brings his wonderful sense of humor and his concern for the environment to his books.

In Reiche's exciting new novel Ghost Ship, he blends contemporary life with history and the supernatural to create one captivating adventure. His Golden Hamster Saga series: I, Freddy; Freddy in Peril; Freddy to the Rescue; and the forthcoming, Freddy and the Ferocious Ferrets is hilariously narrated by Freddy the Golden hamster, and was inspired by memories of the numerous pet hamsters Reiche had as a child.

Dietlof Reiche lives with his wife in Hamburg, Germany.
Mr Cepeda received his BFA in illustration from California State University, Long Beach in 1992 and also studied Engineering at Cornell University. He is the illustrator of awarding-winning picture books such as What a Truly Cool World and Nappy Hair.

Grade 3-5-When evil Professor Fleischkopf attempts to kidnap Freddy in order to dissect his brain and figure out why he can read and write, the golden hamster springs into action. Accompanied by his roommates, two wisecracking guinea pigs and one dignified cat, he seeks refuge with some city rats, but is captured by the professor. His friends save the day, but only after a truly hair-raising climax. Freddy may have a tiny body, but his personality is oversized, and kids will be won over by his always confident, sometimes petulant voice. The plot feels a little stale, and some of the characters are introduced only to wither on the vine, but there is a lot of fun in listening to Freddy and his friends tease, kvetch, and joke with one another. The many lively drawings of the characters, as adorable as Pokemon but with much more personality, bring Freddy and his pals to life. This second book in the saga stands on its own.
Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.