The Adventures of Henry Whiskers

November 21, 2016
Priebe sets her debut children’s book in Windsor Castle—or, more specifically, in Queen Mary’s dollhouse, built in the 1920s and displayed there today. In this story, the dollhouse has long been home to a large family of mice, the Whiskers, and Priebe focuses the action on young Henry Whiskers and one of his many cousins, Jeremy, who attempt to locate Henry’s missing younger sister, Isabel, while dealing with other typical mouse concerns (rats and cats, namely). Short, quickly paced chapters and plenty of twists, turns, and challenges keep the story moving briskly, and the simple, elegant narration and regal setting make the story feel of a kind with other classic mouse tales from children’s literature. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 7–10. Author’s agent: Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown. Illustrator’s agency: Bright Agency.

October 1, 2016

Gr 2-4-Henry Whiskers lives in Queen Mary's historical dollhouse at Windsor Castle. In fact, 25 generations of Whiskers have resided at the dollhouse. But now that renovations are being made, the Whiskers must evacuate their home. Henry, along with his best friend, who happens to be his cousin Jeremy, goes on an adventure to rescue his sister Isabel from the rats who live in Rat Alley. It is dangerous, and Henry must summon great courage. Along the way he makes unexpected friends and learns there is more to the world than meets the eye. Henry is a lovable character who is loyal and brave. The text flows well, making this selection ideal for either independent readers or for classroom read-alouds. Black-and-white spot illustrations open each short chapter. VERDICT Fast-paced and sure to appeal to young fans of animal adventure.-H. Islam, Brooklyn Public Library

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2016
Grades 2-4 Little does the Queen of England know that all 149 members of the Whiskers family live in Windsor Castle. Henry Whisker's family is responsible for the elaborate dollhouse with its working cars, plumbing, electricity, and readable books. Plucky Henry and his ever-hungry cousin Jeremy must clean the dollhouse for the Annual Mouse Masquerade, held during the Queen's birthday celebration. When the dollhouse is suddenly closed and Henry's littlest sister, Isabel, goes missing, Henry and Jeremy must brave a gang of nasty rats, oblivious humans, and a vicious cat to rescue Isabel and save the day. The first in a series, miniature-world aficionados will gravitate toward the compelling setting and fascinating details of this old-fashioned adventure. While it's slow to start, once the action begins, it's nonstop. Though the time period is vague, the cartoonish black-and-white spot illustrations show mice in suits and vintage cars. Note: the old-fashioned tone extends to the gender roles, which are traditionally defined. Fans of classic mouse adventures will find much to love in this new series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)