Ned and the Great Garden Hamster Race

In Hillyard’s feel-good tale, a roly-poly hamster named Ned learns to pay kindness forward during an adventuresome race. On the day of the big event, it’s not long before “ready to win” Ned takes the lead. Prioritizing his drive to come in first, he “zooms” past a slug in need of direction, some hungry pigeons, and a figure stuck in a deep hole—“but Ned does not have time to stop and help.” When the potato-shaped protagonist gets into a tight spot mid-race, the unexpected generosity of a passerby causes him to rethink what winning can look like, resulting in a mid-race backtrack and a memorable takeaway that sees all the funny, furry runners come together. Thick, smudgy smears of color and crayon-like markings give scenes a naif quality, while googly eyes and buckteeth lend the racers a likable goofiness that helps successfully deliver a message of kindliness. Ages 4–8. (July)