About The Book

Title: Gerbs in the House: Jaida’s Here    

Author: Bailey J Thompson    

Illustrator: Heather Cook     

Photographer: Bailey J Thompson

Publication Date: April 15, 2014    

Publisher: Gerbil Meets Mouse Publishing    

Age Range: 3-7

Synopsis:

Be Courageous. Laugh. Embrace Your Uniqueness. Spread Joy. This is the story about Jaida; a friendly little caterpillar with a powerful message. A surprise visit to Mocha and Petri’s dollhouse leads the three to an everlasting friendship. Each day is filled with a new memory, until the day that Jaida stops coming to visit. As Mocha and Petri begin to accept the loss of their friend, they soon learn that Jaida’s greatest lesson has yet to come. Gerbs in the House: Jaida’s Here is a friendly children’s story about love, life, loss and transformation, inspired by Jaida Cumberland.

Jaida Cumberland

My Review

I received a free ecopy for an honest review of this book.

Gerbs in the House: Jaida’s Here is a cute book for children. I read Gerbs in the House: The Dilly Dally Bedtime Routine, which was cute, but I liked this book better.

The gerbils, Mocha and Petri, are in photos that go along with the story. They befriend a caterpillar, Jaida, and she teaches them how to enjoy every moment. I thought it was creative how Jaida’s picture was added to the photos.

There are lessons to learn in this story. When Jaida starts visiting, Mocha and Petri learn to enjoy the time they spend with her. When she disappears for a few days, they are concerned and sad that she’s gone but they still have their memories. Then, when she returns as a butterfly, the gerbils have to accept that although she’s changed, Jaida is still the same friend they have always had. 

This would definitely be a great book for parents to read to young children. It’s not only full of cute photos/pictures but it’s a great story.

How To Buy

Barnes and Noble | Chapters | Gerbil Meets Mouse Publishing Website

About The Author

Born in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, Bailey J. Thompson spent most of her childhood making up stories. At 15, she began her writing career as a regular columnist for the Innisfil Scope, while appearing in various publications including a New York Times Best Seller. Her passion for the environment later led her to found Green Like a Frog, a company that was designed to raise awareness about environmental issues while providing safe solutions. She is now the author of one novel and four children’s books (and photographer of five). She is also the founder of Gerbil Meets Mouse Publishing, a publishing company dedicated to publishing children’s picture books illustrated with photos of animals.

Heather Cook, illustrator