Journey Beyond the Burrow - Hardcover

Heisel, Rina

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0063016036 ISBN 13: 9780063016033

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2021

Synopsis

A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD GOLD STANDARD SELECTION!

With the adventure of Avi’s Poppy series and the heart of A Wolf Called Wander, this charming and exciting middle grade adventure follows one mouse’s journey to save his baby brother from a sinister evil.

There are rules every mouse must follow if they’re to survive in the forest.

Tobin knows these guidelines by heart. After all, with one younger sibling, another on the way, and a best friend with a penchant for trouble-making, he needs to be prepared for anything.

But one stormy night, Tobin’s safe burrow is invaded by monstrous arachnids, and his baby brother stolen away. To save him, Tobin will have to do something he’s never done before: break the rules.

Drawing inspiration from the author’s work as a natural science documentarian, Journey Beyond the Burrow is as alive as the forest floor, where nature is unpredictable, occasionally frightening, and inspirational all the same.  

Includes a black-and-white illustrated front piece.

About this title

About the Author

Rina Heisel has written the scripts for many natural science-themed documentaries and magazine segments, a few of which have links on her website, rinaheisel.com. She is also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. After eleven years producing educational television programs for South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Rina found she especially enjoyed writing segments centering on natural sciences. She found lots of inspiration in the animals she filmed, feeling as if she was getting a sneak peek into their secret worlds.

Reviews

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

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0063016036
• ISBN 13: 9780063016033
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288