Jenius: The Amazing Guinea Pig

by Dick King-Smith, Brian Floca (Illustrator)

Eight-year-old Judy tries to convince her parents and classmates that her brilliant guinea pig can do all the tricks which she says it can.

Genres: Animals, Childrens, Fiction

64 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1996

About the author

Dick King-Smith was born and raised in Gloucestershire, England, surrounded by pet animals. After twenty years as a farmer, he turned to teaching and then to writing children's books.

Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.

Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.

Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.

Reviews

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a strange little book -- so strange that I'm not sure whether I liked it or not. I first read it when it came out because I loved Dick King-Smith's I Love Guinea Pigs. There's very little about real guinea pigs here.

And the artist seemed to think that guinea pigs are the size of hamsters. They're not, they're much larger. A guinea pig (unless it's a day old) cannot fit in the palm of a child's hand, for example.

I know it's a kid's book, but it rankled me. I've known about many guinea pigs that are abandoned or left at animal shelters because they "grew too large" or "couldn't be housetrained" or something silly like that. They're guinea pigs, not dogs or horses or dwarf hamsters. Guinea pigs are wonderful in and of themselves and don't need to learn circus tricks (the one on the cover cannot be taught to a guinea pig.)

Also, I'm not sure what the moral of this story was (if there was one.) Don't boast -- even if you have something to boast about? Don't be too clever because no one likes a smart-ass? I'm left scratching my head (or cheek) here.

[Ape · Rating 3 out of 5]

We have been reading this book at bedtime recently. There has been a lot of squeaking over the cute illustrations. I hadn't read this tale of a genius guinea pig before, so it was a new one for me. A tale I suppose a lot of kids dream of, to train their pets to do clever tricks.

[KP · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite stories by Dick King Smith, full of witty one liners, a life lesson, and guinea pigs.

[John Naylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is a bit of a mess.
It obviously has to be taken with poetic license but there are a lot of things that could take any child or adult out of the story.
Easy to read and inoffensive.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute beginner's chapter book that tells the story of Jenius the guinea pig, and his owner Judy. Judy and Jenius train all summer for Pet Day at school. They practice every day and master many tricks, but their egos also grow big. When Pet Day rolls around, Jenius comes to the realization that he may not be as perfect as he thought. This book contains short diary entries by Judy, some of which are spelled wrong, which readers might find cute or might be bothered by. The text is simple and the concepts are easy to understand, making this a good story for younger kids who are just starting to read by themselves. The story is light and humorous but also provides the life lesson that you don't always live up to your expectations. I would reccomend keeping this book in a young elementary school classroom for independent readers who enjoy animals.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Jenius The Amazing Guinea Pig,by Dick King-Smith tells the story about a little pig who actually learns tricks from this girl named Judy.The baby pig wasn't in the beginning of the book but the parents of the pig had him towards the middle of the book.One trick i thought was pretty good was having a piece of cracker on Jenius nose and he tossed it in the air and buts it in his mouth and eats it.But overall the book Jenius The Amazing Guinea Pig is a good book to read.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's a pseudo-spoiler for those who think the way I do. I'm sticking to 4 stars because the ending didn't go entirely the way I hoped. The illustrations were adorable and I'm so happy that its illustrator, Brian Floca, is our visiting author/illustrator this year.

[Kyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I read it to MY guinea pig!

[Sammy]

Enjoyable read for children.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I ADORE Dick King-Smith, I found this one to be cute, but not great. A good easy read for my 8 year old.

[Aruna Kumar Gadepalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

8 year old girl Judy tries to show that guinea pig is brilliant. Do people believe her?

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dexter (7yo) read.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pride cometh before the fall. This King-Smith offering teaches this in an adorable way. His love for both children and guinea pigs comes though in spades!

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enh. I liked Babe better.