bibliopenguin

Title: Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat
Author: Lynne Jonell
Series: Yes. No official series title (I just call it "Emmy"). Three out so far.
Categories: intermediate, female pov, anthropomorphic animals, family, being normal, making friends, growing up, humor
Other works by Lynne Jonell: Emmy and the Home For Troubled Girls (#2), Emmy and the Rats in the Belfry (#3), Secret of Zoom, Hamster Magic, Lawn Mower Magic
Notes: The edges of the pages are a flip book!

Emmy is a good girl, but all her efforts at being good and her burning desire to be normal are to no avail. Her parents ignore her, her classmates seem to forget she exists, her nanny (Miss Barmy) is unpleasant, and the pet rat in her classroom makes snarky comments only she can understand. One day, Emmy decides to free the rat from his cage, and that is where it all starts...

Humorous and fun, Emmy’s adventures are great of middle-level readers or more advanced readers who are looking for a break from the dystopian adventures and paranormal romances that currently dominate YA fiction. The story whizzes by, and the second book (Emmy and the Home For Troubled Girls) continues in the same vein, living up to the all the good qualities of the first book.

Although the third is available, I haven't read it yet. I am looking forward to doing so.

P.S. Every person I have recommended this to who has commented on it has told me it was a huge success with their reader.

Title: Mouse Guard: Fall 1152
Author: David Petersen
Series: 1st book, Mouse Guard series
Categories: YA, intermediate, graphic novel, comic book, anthropomorphic animals, medieval, illustrated, adventure, intrigue, fantasy
Notes: All-ages, good as a read-along, etc.
Other works by David Petersen: Mouse Guard series, Snowy Valentine (picture book)

“A graphic novel about anthropomorphic mice?” you ask skeptically. My answer: "Absolutely." Mouse Guard is reminiscent of Brian Jacques’ beloved Redwall series, sans Abbey. The art is beautiful and full of detail, truly making Mouse Guard a graphic novel instead of a comic book. Three of the Guard's finest mice are sent to find a missing mouse, a merchant who never reached his destination. But the missing mouse was more than he appeared, and the trio discovers that there is a traitor in the ranks of the Guard. You'll soon find yourself hooked by the story and have a favorite mouse (mine is Lieam). Petersen uses both art and words to their greatest effect, and the results are sure to engage readers of any age.