Mousenet

October 10, 2011
First-time novelist Breitrose takes the familiar “mouse story” genre into the 21st century with this lighthearted tale of 10-year-old Megan and her collaboration with the Mouse Nation, a network of highly intelligent mice who make regular use of human technology. The author envisions a humorous parallel world of mice who could “e-mail each other... post news about themselves on MouseBook, blog, and check facts in Whiskerpedia.” After Megan’s uncle invents a tiny Thumbtop computer, the perfect size for a mouse, Megan becomes the target of the tech-savvy mice, led by the Big Cheese, and is assigned a talking mouse called TM3
(later renamed Trey), who attempts to persuade Megan to deliver this technology. The relationship between Megan and Trey is strong, though other characters are less developed and the story can be convoluted, with multiple cross-country trips, Megan signing a treaty with the mice on behalf of humanity, and an environmental undercurrent to boot. But the strong-willed heroine and enthusiastically imagined world of computer-literate mice result in an amusing adventure. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12.

October 1, 2011
What if computer mice meant something more exciting than tech accessories—something that could change the world? Ten-year-old Megan, returning from a two-year trip, learns that her uncle's invented a miniscule computer. It's delightful but impractical, so Uncle Fred lets Megan take it to her dad's house. Stowing away in Megan's suitcase, tracking that invaluable Thumbtop computer, are three mice. Unbeknownst to people, mice worldwide are "right up there with humans, give or take a few things like thumbs and bank accounts." They post on MouseBook, peruse Whiskerpedia and speak sophisticated Mouse Sign Language. But snatching computer time from humans is unwieldy, requiring elevated mice to dangle others from ropes so they can hit chosen keys without stepping on the whole keyboard. Needed, per decree of Mouse Nation's leader: a Thumbtop in every mousehole! Breitrose gently sprinkles her clean, funny prose with literary references (The Tale of Despereaux; Robert Burns, when plans gang a-gley) and adapted sayings (WWAWMD: What Would A Wild Mouse Do?). Yue's black-and-white illustrations hold an unassuming sweetness. A specially-trained talking mouse approaches Megan to orchestrate an unprecedented two-species treaty. What does Megan want? Nothing less than help reversing climate change. The way these mice get around, they just might pull it off. Genuine goodwill, humor and impressive believability will have readers longing for mice as friends—not to mention political allies. (Animal fantasy. 8-12)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

January 1, 2012

Gr 3-5-After two years on a wilderness island with her scientist mother, Megan Miller, 10, returns to Cleveland a bit wild and unkempt. She receives a welcome-home gift of the world's smallest computer from her Uncle Fred, its inventor. Although the Thumbtop is a little small for human fingers, the Mouse Nation is determined to get one for each of its members. When Megan's mother must work in Australia, she sends Megan to Oregon to live with her busy father and her new stepmom (who thinks she needs a makeover). Adding to Megan's stress are the kids at her new school, who shun her because she is different. Megan finds a friend in Trey, the mouse team leader who can speak English. He contacts her at night and, using a computer presentation, shares the secret of how the Mouse Nation evolved in Silicon Valley and set up its own version of the Internet. In return for her getting them Thumbtops, the mice promise to help Megan, her family, and even the planet. Breitrose spins an enjoyable tale as she explores the nature of friendship, highlighting the timeless themes of individuality and respect for those who are different, and introduces a good mix of memorable characters and contemporary problems. Yue's illustrations throughout are suitably charming. Although the tale is not as complex or allegorical as Kate DiCamillo's Tale of Despereaux (Candlewick, 2003), Avi's "Poppy" series (HarperCollins), or Robert C. O'Brien's "Mrs. Frisby" books (Atheneum), the novel offers mouse lovers action and suspense, and its readability makes it a good choice for those moving up from formulaic series like Geronimo Stilton's books (Scholastic) to more complex stories.-Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2011
Grades 3-6 After living on a remote island, Megan and her mother return to civilization to live with her uncle, an inventor. The 10-year-old spends her free time helping her uncle with the Thumbtop, the world's smallest computer. Unbeknownst to the humans, the colony of mice living in the house is thrilled with the pint-size invention, and word spreads throughout the Mouse Nation. The mice befriend Megan, promising her that if she helps them with the computer there will be larger implications for the world. Yes, it is pretty darn endearing as the mice characters use the Thumbtop to access Mousebook, MouseSpace, and Whiskerpedia. At 400 pages, this animal fantasy is a bit long and loses some momentum in the middle, but it is ultimately a satisfying reading experience. Pen-and-ink illustrations winningly complement the story. Give this to fans of Kate DiCamillo's The Tale of Despereaux (2003) and Elise Broach's Masterpiece (2008).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)