YOUNG FREDLE

Unexpectedly cast into alien territory, an inquisitive mouse discovers the world’s an amazing place in this classic home-away-home tale. Raised on a shelf, Fredle knows the strict survival rules for house mice, but he is shocked when he’s tossed out after breaking a rule by overindulging in a peppermint pattie. House mice never go outside or live alone, and suddenly Fredle’s both alone and outside. Initially panicked and desperately lonely, Fredle gradually nests under the back porch and unearths culinary treats in the compost pile. His senses overload as he savors grass, rain, sun, flowers and stars and flees from predatory cats, owls, raccoons and snakes. Seasoned by his adventures, Fredle returns home a different mouse, open to life’s possibilities. Readers will experience the world from Fredle’s mouse-eye perspective as he literally takes time to smell the flowers and gaze up at the stars. Move over, Stuart Little, while young Fredle takes his place beside other mouse luminaries and proves breaking rules isn’t always bad. Expressive black-and-white spot art heightens the drama. (Animal fantasy. 8-12)