Prudence Breitrose grew up in the part of England where Winnie-the-Pooh once roamed, but now lives in California. She worked as a health education writer until she had a dream that confused computer mice with the real thing. That got her started on her mouse books first "Mousenet "and then this sequel, " Mousemobile." Visit her and the Big Cheese at www.mousenet.org.
Stephanie Yue is a transplant from Atlanta, Beijing, and Hong Kong. She studied illustration in New York City, and currently shares a home with a hamster in Providence, RI. When she's not drawing, you may find her zipping around on a scooter, training in martial arts, and pretending to be a superhero. More of her work can be found at www.jellycity.com
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 SLJ"
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) Kirkus"
In this follow-up to Mousenet (Disney-Hyperion, 2011), Megan, Joey,
the adults, and the mice in their lives drive across country to
save the mouse nation. In this series, some mice can speak and use
their thumbtops to send emails. Someone is trying to sabotage their
work to end climate change, and it is up to Megan and her mice
friends to save it. The crew travel across country, trying to get
to a secret camp where movie stars are educated about climate
change. Filled with amusing word choices and plays on words, this
is a fun read that allows one to imagine what it might be like to
talk and interact with the little rodents. Carl Harvey II, School
Librarian, North Elementary School, Noblesville, Indiana [Editor's
Note: Available in e-book format.] Recommended Library Media
Connection"
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