A Nest for Celeste

Title: A Nest for Celeste
Author: Henry Cole
Reading Level: Grades 3-5
Location: J Cole
A Nest for Celeste is the charming tale of a little mouse that lives alone under the floorboards of the dining room at the Oakley Plantation near New Orleans. Along the way she is befriended by Joseph, the assistant to John James Audubon and a bird, Lafayette, who helps Celeste find her way home. Celeste is a brave little mouse that survives the constant bullying from 2 rats that also live at the plantation, the watchful eyes of the family pets and a dreadful storm that sweeps her far away from home. The illustrations by Henry Cole, found on almost every page are wonderful and reminiscent of Garth Williams’ illustrations.
The Bottom Line:

I loved this story! I really cared about Celeste and rooted for her at every turn. The illustrations are beautiful and bring the characters alive. This will make an excellent read-aloud for families with children younger than the target audience.

Bless This Mouse

Title: Bless This Mouse
Author: Lois Lowry
Location: J Lowry
Reading Level: Grades 2-4

This is the story of Hildegarde, the leader of over 200 church mice that live at Saint Bartholemew’s. Hildegarde keeps busy making sure all the mice are safe and warned of any impending dangers. The annual Blessing of the Animals (including cats) is coming up and Hildegarde has a plan. Unexpectedly a few careless mice are spotted by parishioners, now Hildegarde must plan how the mice are to survive a visit from the Great X. Who will survive?

The Bottom Line
This is a sweet simple story. There are many new vocabulary words that are well defined in the context of the story but may be difficult for the intended audience. The black and white illustrations by Eric Rohmann are adorable. This book will make an excellent family read-aloud.

Missle Mouse Rescue on Tankium3

Title: Missile Mouse Rescue on Tankium3
Author: Jake Parker
Level: juvenile
Location: juvenile graphic novels

Missile Mouse Rescue on Tankium3 is just as great as the first Missile Mouse. It has colorful, easy to follow panels of intergalactic action. In this story Missile Mouse takes on King Bognarsh, who has enslaved an entire planet and Blazing Bat, who has been hired to kill him. In the last story Missile Mouse’s partner turned out to be a traitor. This time he is reluctantly paired with a robot when he would rather work with something that has a brain, heart, and conscience. He soon changes his mind when he realizes Agent 44 has his back. The drawings still have a Star Wars feel. The story moves along quickly and is over too soon. How long will we have to wait for the next Missile Mouse?! A least there is a bonus. Check the back of the book for a guide to Missile Mouse’s universe. It includes weapons and ships.

Bottom Line: Another solid Missile Mouse story from Jake Parker. The story is constantly moving with plenty of action and colorful panels of creatures from other planets. Anyone who liked the first book in this series will like Rescue on Tankium3 also. I loved it!

Missile Mouse the star crusher

Title: Missile Mouse the star crusher
Author: Jake Parker
Level: 8-12
Location: graphic novels J Missile STA

This is a science fiction graphic novel that takes place in space. Missile Mouse is an agent with the Galactic Security. He is a bit like Indiana Jones in that he means well, but things just don't seem to go quite like he plans. The RIP are trying to get hold of the information to make a star crusher. Star crushers basically create black holes- not good for the galaxy. Missile Mouse is assigned a partner, but he would rather go out on his own. Find out if Missle Mouse can save the galaxy, a scientist or his partner.

Bottom Line: This one is going to be in demand. Boys will definitely want to pick up this adventure graphic novel. Girls will enjoy this book too! Think Star Wars creatures with a bit of Indiana Jones. Great color and art work with easy to follow panels and a good, quick moving story. The next Missile Mouse comes out this winter 2011.