The Mouse Watch, Volume 1

May 1, 2020

Gr 3-7-Evil machinations are at play in the world of mice and rats. Bernie is a 12-year-old mouse determined to become part of the famous Mouse Watch with its technology, determination, and teamwork to fight crime. Readers meet Bernie and her mouse family in a world reminiscent of Mary Norton's The Borrowers. Mice have to evade human detection as they shop for groceries, work, and enjoy their communities, but Bernie is focused on becoming a trainee recruit. Not only are these rodents trying to save the world, but they have a leader, Gadget Hackwrench, who invents fantastically advanced gadgets and technogear. Bernie gets in and out of trouble as it becomes clear that a villainous mastermind is influencing humans to do his bidding through a doctored cheese scent that renders them mindless. The gasp-worthy escapades are over the top, but Gilbert makes it work with trademark covert terminology worthy of a James Bond flick. Plus, he adds in plenty of cheese; swiss, cheddar, camembert, bleu, and brie. Embedded is a message about not stereotyping others and learning to recognize real friendship. The cute little world of mice is an odd mix with advanced spying, giving this a somewhat cinematic vibe. VERDICT A dashing fluff adventure with appealing miniature heroes and villains. Cheesy in a few ways.-Carol A. Edwards, Formerly at Denver Public Library

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2020
A young mouse earns her place among a secret society of world-savers. Bernadette is a small rodent with big ambitions: joining the Mouse Watch, an elite team of mice that protect the world from evil while keeping themselves secret from humans. Bernie has long dreamed of joining her idol, Gadget Hackwrench (the female lead of Disney's popular cartoon Chip & Dale: Rescue Rangers), and going on gizmo-filled, adrenaline-fueled adventures. As a new recruit of the Watch, Bernie befriends Jarvis, a sensitive rat with puzzle-solving skills to spare. The two rodents flit from set piece to set piece, uncovering a dastardly plot concocted by the devilish Dr. Thornpaw that could turn the world upside down. Readers familiar with Rescue Rangers will find similar rhythms here: a precise blend of jokes, action, and plucky young heroes ambitious to prove themselves. The novel is smartly paced, keeping readers pushing forward but with just enough assurance that everything will turn out OK in the end. It's a comfort read, one that tees up a sequel in its final pages and points back just enough to Rescue Rangers that young readers interested in exploring more of this world won't be disappointed (provided their families have subscribed to Disney +). A fun little adventure brimming with Disney intellectual-property synergy. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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