‘Word of Mouse’ Teaches Children About the Importance of Friendship [REVIEW]

Mikayla and Isaiah are two charming mice who will win your heart in James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein’s new children’s book, Word of Mouse. (Illustration by Joe Sutphin)

When a tiny blue mouse named Isaiah escapes from a science lab, he suddenly finds himself all alone in a big new world where nothing is familiar. How will he survive? Where will he go? And will he ever see his family again? Find out in the charming new novel, Word of Mouse, by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein. 

JIMMY Patterson

Isaiah isn’t your average mouse. Raised in a laboratory with his 96 brothers and sisters, he isn’t used to being alone. The youngest and smallest member of his family, he’s rather timid by nature, even if he has some very special abilities. First of all, he’s extremely smart. In fact, he’s so intelligent, he can even read. What’s more, he can talk! Needless to say, these traits make him hard to overlook. The fact that he’s electric blue doesn’t help either.

In Word of Mouse, we join Isaiah on an adventure of a lifetime, which also proves to be a journey of self discovery in which he must rely on his ingenuity and summon up his own special brand of courage. After all, it’s scary to be on your own for the very first time.

But Isaiah’s confidence grows as he explores the world outside the lab and encounters giant mean rats, a terrifying sphinx, and even a cranky old woman. Yet he makes some good friends too, like the lovely and talented Mikayla, a mouse with a sweet singing voice; the kind old-timer known as James the Wise who takes him under wing; and a human girl named Hailey who might just be as unique as he is.

Affable, wise, and always inquisitive, Isaiah is a delightful new character in children’s fiction who will surely win the hearts of parents and kids alike. Readers will undoubtedly find themselves cheering for the story’s tiny hero as they follow his escapades into the unknown. Besides, it’s hard to resist an adorable mouse with a great sense of humor and an insatiable appetite!

With Word of Mouse, Patterson and Grabenstein have outdone themselves by crafting a story full of whimsy and heart, a lot of bravado and a touch of grace. Illustrator Joe Sutphin does a phenomenal job too, as he brings the story to vivid life with his gorgeous illustrations that make Isaiah leap off the page and into our hearts. This is a story that begs to be shared at bedtime. It fuels dreams and reminds the entire family about the importance of friendship.

If you’re like me, some of your fondest childhood memories were spent with fiction’s most beloved mice, such as Bianca and Bernard from Margery Sharp’s The Rescuers, Ralph from Beverly Cleary’s The Mouse and the Motorcycle, and Mrs. Frisby from Robert C. O’Brien’s The Secret of NIMH. These tiny tales helped turn me into a lifelong reader. Word of Mouse is a worthy successor to these childhood classics. Funny, enchanting, and certain to enthrall the child in all of us, don’t wait. Introduce your family to Isaiah and friends today. They’re going to love him.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

James Patterson
(Photo by Sue Patterson)

James Patterson is the creator of numerous bestselling novels for kids, including the Witch & Wizard, Daniel X, Maximum Ride, Confessions, Middle School and House of Robots series. He has sold over 350 million books worldwide and currently holds the Guinness World Record for the most number one New York Times bestsellers.

He is the recipient of the Children’s Choice Award for Author of the Year and was awarded the National Book Foundation‘s 2015 Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community for his initiatives to help kids become passionate readers and for his philanthropic efforts.

In 2015, he donated $1.75 million to school libraries throughout the United States, and $1 million to independent bookstores in 2014. He also donated $26 million to his and his wife’s alma maters—the University of Wisconsin, Vanderbilt University, and Manhattan College—and established over 400 Teacher Education Scholarships at 24 colleges and universities throughout the country.

In May 2015, Patterson launched Jimmy Patterson, a new imprint at Little, Brown that is focused on turning kids into lifelong readers. This imprint also provides resources, strategies, and programs to serve teachers, parents, librarians and booksellers. Proceeds from the sale of Jimmy Patterson books will be invested in pro-reading initiatives.

Patterson lives in Palm Beach with his wife, Sue, and his son, Jack. Visit his home on the Web, like him on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Chris Grabenstein
(Photo by Tess Steinkolk)

Chris Grabenstein (pronounced like Frankenstein) is the New York Times bestselling author of children’s books like The Island of Dr. Libris and Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library. He is also the co-author of the number one bestselling I Funny, House of Robots and Treasure Hunters series with James Patterson.

Although he loves writing for children, Chris has written books for adults too, including the popular John Ceepak mystery series, including titles like Fun House, Free Fall, and Whack A Mole. 

A comedic actor in his own right, Chris has performed with some of New York City’s top improvisational comedy troupes and worked with folks like Bruce Willis and Robin Williams. He has also written for the theatre and television, including scripts for Jim Henson’s Muppets and the holiday classic The Christmas Gift (co-written with Ronny Venable), which starred John Denver.

He also spent close to 20 years writing television and radio commercials for national campaigns like Burger King, Dr Pepper, Kentucky Fried Chicken and many other well known businesses. His first boss was James Patterson.

Chris studied communications and theater at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He lives in New York City with his wife,J.J., two cats and a dog named Fred. Visit his home on the Web, like him on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Joe Sutphin

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Joe Sutphin began drawing at a young age and was always known as “that kid who can draw.” In 2012, his first published illustration appeared in the John Carter of Mars anthology, Under the Moons of Mars, by Simon and Schuster.

A year later, he was contracted by Abrams Books to illustrate the four-book series, Dr. Critchlore’s School for Minions, by Sheila Grau. Book three of the series will arrive in bookstores this March. In 2014, he illustrated the long-anticipated finale to Andrew Peterson‘s critically acclaimed Wingfeather Saga, The Warden and the Wolf King. 

Mr. Sutphin lives with his wife and cat in a big red barn in Ohio where he collects illustrated books and is quite possibly addicted to black licorice and root beer. Visit his home on the Web, like him on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

WORD OF MOUSE
By James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein.
Illustrated by Joe Sutphin.
Ages 8 – 12. Grades 3 – 7.
304 pgs. jimmy patterson. $13.99.