WARTON AND THE CONTEST
By
Erickson's several books about Warton and Morton have been popular with children moving beyond easy readers. This time the two are assisted by an impossibly klutzy mouse, Neville, in a mission to retrieve Grampa Arbuckle's gold watch-compass, which has been stolen by dangerous crows. Written in rather wooden, textbook-like style, the tame plot and mild humor are given added interest by frequent lively drawings. Although disappointing, this is acceptable and will help fill the need for more books at this level.