MOUSENET

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)