Fur Power! (Guinea Wigs, #1)

By Rebecca McRitchie

Illustrated by Shiloh Gordon

Reviewed by  Mia Macrossan

Rebecca McRitchie is an editor and writer working in Sydney whose first work was Whimsy and Woe.  Together with Shiloh Gordon, the illustrator of the Frog Squad series among other things they have created a hilarious, enticing, book about superpowers, villains, rescues and cereal boxes.

The four guinea pigs Bud, Minnie, Tofu, and Meatball are excited when their friend Jet turns up with a box of Crunchy Munchy cereal because inside one of these is a ticket to win a jet ski. Unfortunately no luck this time. They cheer  up when they find some discarded wigs which unaccountably gives the wearer super powers such a stinky breath, extra sensitive hearing, brute strength, karate expertise and extreme size. While wearing wearing their wigs they call themselves G-Force, an unstoppable (sort of) force for good. So who will they save? Well, someone in town has been kidnapping all the chickens, so the five, wearing their wigs go to the rescue.

This very silly story is so much fun and such an easy read for those starting on chapter books. There is plenty of dialogue, not too much text per page, with important words highlighted in bold throughout. The chapters are very short with lively and dramatic line illustrations dominant on every page. There is an underlying seriousness if you look. Page 61 has a speech by Jet all about proving that guinea pigs aren’t just weird looking hamsters, that they can stand up for the little guys and make a difference. Stirring stuff for young minds.

An attractive new series that will appeal across a wide age range, but aimed at children aged 7+.

HarperCollins AU 2026

Shiloh Gordon