The Robinson family and their neighbor, Mr. Brown, all mice, live under the kitchen floor under the constant threat of the house cat. Old Mr. Brown lost his wife to that cat, but the mice must continue to risk their lives in search of food. That is, until a young and adventurous member of the Robinson clan, Beaumont, comes up with a plan to move the whole family, including Mr. Brown. Using their noses to sniff out houses without cats, they find a house that smells strongly of mice and know they have found the perfect fit—in fact, the “giant” boy keeps mice as pets. In their new home, the Robinsons discover new companions, welcome more babies and cope with losing a dear friend. Through simple prose King-Smith creates a narrative based not on the plot of The Swiss Family Robinson but on the life lessons both displaced families learn. Bruel’s gray-toned illustrations add charm and interest throughout this short but complete story. An appealing animal adventure for those ready to graduate from early readers. (Fantasy. 7-10)
