The Mouse Family Robinson

October 1, 2008
Gr 2-4-This illustrated chapter book follows the adventures of John Robinson and his expanding family. To escape a vicious feline, the mice leave their home in search of a safer, cat-free environment. Eventually they arrive at a house inhabited by a boy who owns several fancy pet mice. The Robinsons make their home at Number 16 Simple Street and eventually befriend the other mice, as well as one of the "giants," a boy named Bill Black. King-Smith does not shy away from topics such as death and the fact that animals, such as mice, reproduce. Bruel's lively, detailed black-and-white cartoon art appears throughout, adding to the book's humor and charm. A delightful addition for newly independent readers."Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2008
For house mouse John Robinson and his growing family, life would be good if they didnt fear the dangerous, resident cat, who ate the wife of the Robinsons elderly mouse neighbor, Mr. Brown. Searching for a safer home, the Robinsons and Mr. Brown finally find one that is feline-freeand filled with mice, including some pet mice belonging to giant boy Bill. Their new abode brings changes, including some initial tensions between common house mice and fancy pet mice, as well as sorrows, such as Mr. Browns sensitively handled natural death. But there are also joys, including new babies, as life goes on. The lively, often droll narrative, divided into short chapters, and the many captivating illustrations (which are different from those in the 2007 British edition of the book) provide an accessible, engaging read filled with everyday details of imagined mouse life and appealing characters. Readers will appreciate the difficulties and opportunities of moving, the sadness of loss, and the poignant, sometimes comedic moments between humans and mice, who communicate and befriend each other despite language barriers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)