Journey Beyond the Burrow

May 15, 2021
Heisel takes readers on a high-octane mouse-eye view of a daring rescue. The pressures of the chattering extended family crowding into the burrow in anticipation of a new baby lead Tobin, a junior weather scout mouse, to take breathers to check on a looming rainstorm. He does not realize that a greater escapade will follow, foreshadowed by descriptions of ominous clouds and references to a previous family tragedy. Despite being familiar with the Rules of Rodentia, which are peppered throughout the story, Tobin breaks many of them--but when he does, he does not brave the consequences alone. His confident, sociable younger sister, Talia, and happy-go-lucky best friend, Wiley, join him as they band together, first as aspiring weather scouts wishing to see a green sky, and ultimately, chasing down giant spiders who kidnap the newborn. The story's rich details create a magical imaginary world, and the fast pace builds suspense, conveying the wisdom of the rules of the natural world around predator-prey dynamics, the acceptance of death as part of the order of things, and the importance of careful observation and reliance on instinct. Ultimately, the story offers powerful morals for what to do when rules stand the test of time, when they must be bent, when none exist to offer guidance, and all the gray areas in between. A delightful, detailed adventure in which a trio of mice become heroes. (Fiction. 8-12)

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July 1, 2021

Gr 4-8-Like all households, the Great Burrow where Tobin and his family reside has rules; important and perhaps life-preserving rules for a young mouse. But when Tobin, his sister, and his best friend Wiley leave the burrow to save his baby sibling, extenuating circumstances force sweeping rule changes. The newborn, abducted by massive Arakni spiders, faces certain death and time is of the essence. The valiant yet naive trio befriend unlikely comrades in their journey. From partnering with snake royalty to losing his tail and bearing responsibility for his crew, Tobin is forced to make decisions that will ultimately affect the lives of those he loves. The success of his squad rests heavily on his tiny, furry shoulders. Heisel's sweet tale scurries through a perilous escapade whose plot coils and squirms alongside its characters. Strong pacing, character development, and description intertwine to build fresh anticipation for the classic animal journey saga. The field-mouse perspective is consistent and engaging, simultaneously showcasing the threats and attributes of these small, nimble critters. Inner thoughts and description from a field mouse's eyes reveal the forest and its creatures from a novel perspective. Heisel lays out tidbits of information, leading readers to ponder solutions and potential paths throughout Tobin's journey. Compelled to know what happens next, tweens will gobble up the unpredictability and unexpected situations. Readers will identify with Tobin, whose evident vulnerability fails to diminish his growth as a leader and hero. VERDICT Heisel's mice quest leaps beyond tired animal stories with rich plot spins and compelling characters that will entice tweens and teach them about life's journeys.-Mary-Brook J. Townsend, The McGillis Sch., Salt Lake City

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