The Mice and the Clockwork Bus

To avoid riding in D. Rat's rattletrap bicycle bus, the Mice family decides to build its own clockwork bus.

Grade 1-3 This, the third story about activities of an extended mice clan, involves their attempt to avoid riding in the dangerous, overcrowded, and overpriced bus operated by the dastardly D. Rat, who also made an appearance as the villain in The Mice and the Flying Basket (Lothrop, 1985). The mice decide to construct their own bus out of a variety of junkyard materials. They succeed in their project but are forced to fend off a number of attempts at sabotage by D. Rat, who, after finally being apprehended, is sentenced to several years' work winding the clock which powers the bus. While the storyline is familiar and overworked, the book is saved from anonymity by Peppe's lovely pastel paintings. The illustrations create a story within the story, as the various mice go about their activities and conversations (which appear in dialogue balloons). The mice are endearing, and D. Rat's appearance leaves no doubt that he is bad news. Tom S. Hurlburt, Minneapolis Public Library
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.