Title: Chubby Wubbles & Coco – 2 Missing Ferrets
Author: M.J. Abrams
Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 164803196X
Pages: 28
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book
Reviewed by: David Allen
Pacific Book Review
Children and the grownups who read to them, will love this book. Let’s ferret out the reasons.
First and foremost, Chubby Wubbles & Coco – 2 Missing Ferrets is an adorable fun read that can be accomplished in one breezy sitting. The illustrations are warm and lively, and the text itself, filled with grace, pleasing alliteration, and a satisfying start-to-end tale, is likewise pleasing. But it’s no stroll in the park! Mary, owner of two pet ferrets, farms out one of them (Chubby) to her younger brother Jeffrey. Jeffrey and Chubby get along famously, although right away Chubby misses his lifetime ferret companion, Coco. Chubby hopes against hope he will see Coco again – but he is not sure exactly how.
Without muss or fuss (Chubby muses, “I hardly ever miss my litter box, because my aim is pretty good”), young readers and listeners are introduced to some of the fine points of pet ownership. A pet is a kind of person, after all; pets require care, attention and kindness. A winning formula…until Chubby wanders out the door into the park. Chubby’s ‘dream come true’: fresh air, freedom, other animals. Things are looking good until a flock of geese surround poor Chubby and scare and bite him until he wishes he was home.
In the guise of adventure/mis-adventure, this charming book drives home important object lessons. It’s good to be free, good to be on your own – but all within limits. Pets need cages and leashes for good reason. Chubby’s nostalgia for his mate – and Jeffrey’s happiness with his newfound pet – also ring true: having friends is a good thing, something to be cherished. Once Jeffrey finds Chubby, they promise to always be together, never being apart from one another ever again. Key issues in childhood – and life! Separation is tough, but doing things on your own has its upside. Readers will heave a sigh of relief knowing that Chubby reunites with Coco and Jeffrey adopts both ferrets.
M.J. Abrams is a crafty able writer, embedding important life lessons in a fun, buoyant narrative. Many readers won’t even be aware that lessons have been handed to them via this book’s appealing delivery. The book is sweet, generous, never patronizing. The pets and the human beings who love them have a great deal in common. Each thrives on good companionship, good care and great walks. Family, both human and animal, are really important.
I really like the book’s happy ending and kids will too.
