Info
- Age Range: 5 – 8 years
- Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3
- Hardcover: 56 pages
- Publisher: Candlewick (June 13, 2017)
- ISBN-10: 0763678465
- ISBN-13: 978-0763678463
Meet Fergus and Zeke — a lovable classroom mouse and his streetwise buddy — in a brand-new series perfect for early readers.
Fergus loves being the class pet in Miss Maxwell’s classroom. He does everything the students do, until the teacher plans a field trip to the museum — without Fergus! He doesn’t want to miss the fun, so he stows away in a backpack and sets off for an adventure. When he arrives at the museum, Fergus finds it a little overwhelming — huge and full of exciting things to see. Luckily, he meets a new friend, Zeke, who knows the ropes, and together they explore everything from moon rocks to butterflies to a giant dinosaur skeleton (“A playground!” says Zeke). But when the time comes for the bus to leave, Fergus is worried that he’ll be left behind. Will he make it back to school to take his place as class pet once more?
“The four chapters of this easy reader zip right along with a straightforward, breezy plot and two charming, mischievous mice leading the way…The art’s peppy lines and occasional plays on perspective support but never overwhelm the text. Short sentences, some stealthy repetition, and a host of sight words give plenty of scaffolding to young readers, and this might also make a diverting read-aloud before a class trip.”
~Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“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…Here’s to more adventures for Fergus and Zeke!”
~Kirkus Reviews
“Messner (the Ranger in Time books) lets readers live out their Night at the Museum fantasies through Fergus and Zeke’s explorations…Ross’s (Grimelda: The Very Messy Witch) energetic full-color cartoons run wild with the museum-as-playground theme, and Zeke’s decision to join Fergus in the classroom neatly sets up their next adventure.”
~Publishers Weekly
“Messner’s text is approachable and creative, and builds suspense that will keep readers excited until the end. Ross’ illustrations expand the text and breathe life into two adorable mice and the museum experience. This first book in a new series is sure to be a hit.”
~Booklist