Info
- Age Range: 5-9
- Grade level: K-4
- Hardcover: 48 pages
- Publisher: Candlewick (May 7, 2024)
- ISBN-10: 1536227617
- ISBN-13: 978-1536227611
Will the two classroom mice make it back to the bus on time, or will they be stuck on the farm forever? A funny adventure tailor-made for farm-loving kids.
Fergus and Zeke love being the class pets in Miss Maxwell’s class, and they always want to do whatever the students do. So when Miss Maxwell tells the class they’re going on a field trip to a local farm to help with the animals, pick some apples, and learn about where food comes from, Fergus and Zeke can’t wait to sneak their way onto the trip. Unfortunately, the farm is not as fun as the mice had hoped: while the children head off to care for the animals after sampling some honey, Fergus and Zeke become covered in the sticky stuff and lose sight of the class. What if the diminutive pair adapt a few farm activities of their own? With plenty of physical comedy and a few annoyed hens, cows, sheep, and goats, the latest tale about the endearing and enterprising duo will have readers in fits of giggles.
Praise for the Fergus and Zeke series:
“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