Word of Mouse
illustrated by Joe Sutphin
Jimmy Patterson Books/Little, Brown (2016)
Fantasy Chapter Book
Summary:
What makes Isaiah so unique? First, his fur is as blue as the sky--which until recently was something he'd never seen, but had read all about. That's right--Isaiah can read, and write. He can also talk to humans...if any of them are willing to listen! After a dramatic escape from a mysterious laboratory, Isaiah is separated from his "mischief" (which is the word for a Mouse family), and has to use his special skills to survive in the dangerous outdoors, and hopefully find his missing family. But in a world of cruel cats, hungry owls, and terrified people, it's hard for a young, lone mouse to make it alone. When he meets an equally unusual and lonely human girl named Hailey, the two soon learn that true friendship can transcend all barriers.
Why You'll Love It:
- A book by best-selling Patterson or Grabenstein is pretty much a done deal.
- Sutphin provides black-and-white spot illustrations that recall the great mouse protagonists of the mid-20th century.
- The authors manage to seamlessly integrate clever wordplay (including Isaiah’s snarky perspective), advanced vocabulary, and basic science information into the story without becoming didactic.
Who Should Read It:
Great for 3rd-6th graders.
What Else You Should Read:
- Stuart Little by E.B. White
- Nuts to You by Lynne Rae Perkins
- Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
