Mousemobile

September 15, 2013
In this charming sequel to Mousenet (2011), mice who use tiny Thumbtop computers need some rescuing by the very few humans who know that mice have evolved. Everything's going fine at Planet Mouse, the mostly mouse-staffed factory that manufactures Thumbtops in Cleveland. Thumbtops are critical for Operation Cool It, Mouse Nation's plan to stop climate change. These mice have no special powers --only sophisticated brains and regular 21st-century technology (if very small)--so when they hear of a threat to (literally) exterminate Mouse Nation headquarters in Silicon Valley, 11-year-old Megan and her uncle Fred rush to California. Carefully protecting the secrecy of the intelligent mice, they drive an RV holding 2,243 mice up through Oregon, pursued by a mysterious truck. One not-too-bright mouse offers sensitive information to climate-change deniers in exchange for an Amazon gift certificate to buy a sparkly pink dress. The text chides her girlieness and fondness for "chick flicks"; action films, conversely, are lauded, and action-movie stars help save the day. Credulity strains sometimes--the Rocky Mountain valley that's home to mercenary climate-change deniers is, coincidentally, right next to Megan's mom's summer job, and the ending is too neat--but Mouse Nation's efficient, rational society, from Mouse Sign Language to legal proceedings, remains enchantingly believable. Closing the book, readers may wonder: Will these mice return, and can they really stop climate change? They will hope so. (Animal fantasy. 8-12)

COPYRIGHT(2013) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

December 1, 2013

Gr 3-5-In order to spread the word about climate change, mice have created and perfected tiny computers called Thumbtops. Humans Megan, her cousin Joey, and her Uncle Fred have great summer jobs at the plant that makes the technology. There's just one problem. The organization, W.A.T.C.H. (We're Against the Climate Hoax), is upset that someone has been spreading "lies" about climate change and they are determined to bring them down. The organization learns that mice, along with Megan and her Uncle Fred, are somehow involved. Inside the Mouse Nation, one or more of the mice have spilled most of the crackers in exchange for a reward. Now the animals and the humans are trying to escape the organization's clutches, and the Big Cheese (the leader of the mice) suspects Megan and her uncle of betrayal. Can they clear their names? Although it is a little preachy, this story teaches an important lesson. The characters are likable, strong, and well developed, and the plot is simple, but well done. The illustrations are detailed and complement the text. Readers who liked Mousenet (Hyperion, 2011) and enjoy fantasy, animal books, and adventure will appreciate this novel.-Kira Moody, Whitmore Public Library, Salt Lake City, UT

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2014
When a plot to expose the mouse world threatens Operation Cool It, the plan to reverse climate change hatched in Mousenet, Megan and Uncle Fred take the whole colony on a wild road trip to save their efforts. The premise remains overblown, but this sequel's plot moves along at a quick clip and endearing new characters are introduced. Soft black-and-white illustrations add to the whimsy.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)