Review: Mousemobile by Prudence Breitrose

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Life is good for the four humans in Cleveland who know that mice have evolved into possibly the smartest species on earth. Eleven-year-old Megan and her cousin Joey have great summer jobs at the mouse-powered factory that makes Thumbtops-the tiny computers mice use to spread the word about climate change.
But suddenly, the Big Cheese, leader of the Mouse Nation, needs their help. There's trouble at his Headquarters in California. The four humans rush to the rescue, only to find themselves on a crazy road-trip-with way too many mice. Their journey takes them clear across the country, always just one step ahead of the mysterious enemy. Will the humans save the Mouse Nation, so mice can continue their fight for the health of the planet?
Get ready for the exhilarating sequel to Mousenet! This updated take on the classic mouse tale is charmingly illustrated and filled with friendship, humor and heart.

MY TAKE:
I wasn't able to read the first book in the series so I had no idea what to expect.

In Mousemobile, the Mouse Nation faces an unknown threat and it's up to Megan, Joey, Uncle Fred and Jake to help them.

While I was only about 50% sold on the idea of mice and leading the fight against the planet's conservation, after the first few chapters, I found that I actually found the book more enjoyable that I would have thought. The plot is action-packed and fast-paced. The characters are generally likeable and relateable. Even the mice were cute and believable.

The conservation-slant isn't really seen in a lot of books and a lot of times, they seem preachy. Thankfully, Mousemobile stops short of that. It makes you want to do more to help the planet, but you don't feel as though the book was talking down on you.

The only thing that annoyed me with this book was one of the mice who was completely vapid, selfish and naive. Other than that, I enjoyed this book a lot.

Thanks to NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion for the e-ARC. Publication date of Mousemobile is on October 15, 2013.

THE GOOD:

1. It can encourage kids to do more to save the planet.
2. The characters are likeable.
3. The plot is action-packed.

THE BAD:

1. A particular character may be too annoying for some.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Uncle Fred took orders from everyone and fetched a heaping tray of human food, plus a spare hamburger bun and a slice of cheese for the five mice.

READ IT IF:

1. You or your child likes movies and books featuring mice.
2. You want to teach your child about conservation.
3. You or your child like mysteries.

RATING:


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