AMBROSE AND THE DAWN PATROL

The power of friendship draws a timid mouse into the wider world in the Schnetzlers’ warm debut fantasy.

Ambrose is a meticulous rodent who’s sure to notice anything that’s even slightly out of place in the horse barn where he makes his home. He’s mystified when he sees the shadowy figure of a gold-colored mouse during one of his daily barn inspections, and he vows to discover the identity of the mysterious creature. He soon discovers that it’s a young female mouse named Annabelle, and she becomes fast friends with Ambrose and his fumbling sidekick, Hubbard. After their friendship is firmly established, they go on a series of adventures. Whether they’re rescuing a friendly horse named Captain Jack or saving Hubbard from a nasty black horse named Midnight, the trio soon proves that it can overcome whatever perils the barn can throw at them. When Annabelle eventually convinces Ambrose to explore the world outside the stable, he can’t shake the feeling that something is about to go wrong. Indeed, the hero may be in for his biggest challenges yet. Soon, the three friends find themselves trying to help Captain Jack as he races against Midnight, and the outcome is anything but certain. This pleasantly paced tale is packed with satisfying adventures and plenty of action for young readers. The microcosm of Ambrose’s barn feels large and exciting when told from a mouse’s perspective, and kids will enjoy exploring the well-developed world that the various animals inhabit. The creatures’ heartwarming, believable friendship also adds to this fun-filled, whimsical narrative. Overall, the authors deliver a story that’s sure to please elementary- and middle-grade children.

A feel-good kids’ book with just the right touch of adventure.