Hamsters Holding Hands

This charming counting book features spunky, pear-shaped hamsters (Need proof? Look no further than “Three hamsters with a pear”) engaging in simple yet unexpected fun: “Five hamsters playing nice/ Six hamsters eating rice.” Debut talent Reich brings subtle, off-kilter humor—with props like balloons, pinwheels, and snorkel gear—and an understated style to her spreads, with the hamsters’ citrus hues playfully smudged outside their outlines. It’s hard not to smile at images of the happy hamsters jumping rope or working on their tans. Up to age 3. (Apr.)