A wholesome, solid story with fun characters.
Classroom pet mice Fergus and Zeke work on a Presidents Day project.
As Miss Maxwell’s students discuss good qualities for presidents to have and ways in which eligibility requirements have evolved to allow women and people of color to run for office, Zeke dons a cotton ball wig as President “George Mousington.” At the library, as the students work on their projects, the mice struggle with their own division of labor, with President Zeke considering his “supervising” equal to Fergus’ research. With the project presentations rapidly approaching—and the mice no closer to deciding upon their subject—Fergus thinks of what he wants in a president, prompting him to stand up to Zeke: “All mice are created equal.” The kids—and the use of historical and presidential facts—are a backdrop to the engaging storyline of Zeke’s comedically flawed (and likably relatable) self-centeredness, but the value-driven thematic inspiration is an effective motivator for Fergus’ assertiveness. The resulting combination of silliness and broad-strokes idealism creates a rounded story structure without heavy tension. Finally, the human students show off their projects and discuss what they would do if they were president, briefly revealing concerns involving the environment, housing, gender equality, food insecurity—and eliminating homework. Miss Maxwell presents White, librarian Mr. Diaz is Latine, and the students are diverse.
A wholesome, solid story with fun characters. (Early reader. 6-9)Pub Date: May 23, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-5362-1831-2
Page Count: 56
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Here’s to more adventures for Fergus and Zeke! (Early reader 6-9)
A class pet decides not to miss the class field trip to the Museum of Natural History.
Fergus is a model student in Miss Maxwell’s class. He follows directions, listens quietly, does his math without looking at anyone else’s paper, and always chips in to tidy up. But he may not get to go on the class trip, as Fergus is a mouse. At the last minute, he sneaks into Emma’s backpack and continues following the teacher’s directions, including pairing up for the day…with a banana. Although the banana won’t come with Fergus when it’s time to explore, Zeke will. He’s a museum mouse who shows Fergus all the sights and is his buddy for the day. But when Fergus and Zeke overlook the human rule to not touch the exhibits, will it be Fergus’ downfall? Will he be able to reunite with his class and get back to school? And what about his new friend, Zeke? Messner’s first in a new early-reader series (Fergus and Zeke will visit the school science fair next) is divided into four chapters and meant for those who are confident enough in their reading abilities to begin to make the transition to chapter books. Ross’ digital illustrations add interest and break up the text, giving readers a mouse’s-eye view of the museum and its fascinating exhibits. Miss Maxwell is a blonde, white woman with a diverse class.
Here’s to more adventures for Fergus and Zeke! (Early reader 6-9)Pub Date: June 13, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-7636-7846-3
Page Count: 56
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 14, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Heroes aren’t born, they’re made…by slipping through enchanted cat flaps. A marvelous entry in a charming series.
Herring, longboats, and inordinately pointy hats greet our hero in his latest outing.
“Adventuring always seems to be about DOING things rather than napping after eight herring sandwiches.” Alas for poor Murray the cat. Once again he’s called upon to be bold and intrepid. Ever since his useless owner, the wizard Fumblethumb, cast a spell on Murray’s cat flap, Murray’s found himself unwillingly going on adventures with his valiant (and adorable) rabbit sidekick, Bun. This time the duo are transported to the Viking era. Eggrik the Viking has disappeared, presumably taken by trolls, and according to Eggrik’s friends, it’s up to Murray to find and save him (assuming he hasn’t been eaten first). After Murray and Bun encounter the trolls in question, they realize that they’re likable creatures, more prone to sticking carrots up their noses than gobbling people. So where is Eggrik? The answer surprises everyone. Murray’s reluctance to embrace his role as hero only adds to the book’s entertainment as he attempts to resist the call…and then saves the day anyway. Brief asides and subtle details in the delightful art combine for a tale that’s both memorable and funny. Human characters are light-skinned.
Heroes aren’t born, they’re made…by slipping through enchanted cat flaps. A marvelous entry in a charming series. (Chapter book. 6-9)Pub Date: June 3, 2025
ISBN: 9798217030989
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: March 8, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2025
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
