School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-Sam the Library Mouse is back in this gentle story about facing fears and learning new things. He meets Sarah, a library mouse from across the stacks with a taste for adventure. She introduces him to the wonder of exploration while he shows her the joys of traveling through books and research. Students will relate to Sam's reluctance to try dangerous things and delight in Sarah's winsome enthusiasm for daring escapades. The gorgeous, bright gouache illustrations are meticulously detailed and expressive. The story is an excellent way to introduce research to the youngest patrons, which, according to Sam, is "how you find out about things." This visually appealing offering fits beautifully into the library curriculum.-Nicole Waskie-Laura, Chenango Forks Elementary, Binghamton, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Sam the library mouse is content reading and writing about far-off places and events. When he meets Sarah, a daring mouse from the other side of the stacks, Sam is happy to pass on his book knowledge. But when Sarah tries to share her love of exploring the highest shelves, Sam struggles between his fears, Sarah's encouragement, and his own desire to be brave. Sam's realization that "readers and writers are explorers, too" is refreshing, but it's Sarah's response-"just think of the books you could write if you really got to see the world!"-that gives this story depth. Ages 6-9. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
In his third story, timid library mouse Sam meets Sarah. This female daredevil, also a library-dwelling rodent, scales bookshelves in pursuit of adventure. The story's ill-concealed message comes to light as the new friends learn that adventure can be found both inside and outside of a book. Some of the bold gouache pictures are stiff; others help boost excitement using varied perspectives. (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
