Synopses & Reviews
When Malcolm (a smaller than average rat) arrives as the fifth grade pet at McKenna School, he revels in the attention, the Pop-Tart crumbs, and his new Comf-E-Cube. He also meets the Midnight Academy, a secret society of classroom pets that keeps the nutters (kids) out of trouble. After all, everybody knows, "a lot happens in a school when the teachers arent looking." Theres just one problem. Have you heard? Rats have a terrible reputation! So when the Academy assumes that Malcolm is a mouse, he doesnt exactly speak up. Then the Academys leader, a glasses-wearing iguana named Aggy, disappears and the Academy smells a rat . . . a dirty rat fink, to be specific. Now Malcolm must use all of his ratty persistence to prove his innocence, get Aggy back under her heat lamp—and to find out if its possible to be a critter of valor and merit, even if youre a rat. The mystery unravels at midnight in this rollicking tale of fur-raising adventure by W.H. Beck, lavishly illustrated by best-selling Brian Lies.
Review
"A rip-roaring tale; even rodent haters will have to like Malcolm."--Kirkus
Review
"A rip-roaring tale; even rodent haters will have to like Malcolm."and#8212;Kirkus
"Escapades, humor, and romance weave together in this madcap elementary school adventure . . . A first-rate debut."and#8212;Publishers Weekly
"This creature-feature leavens spookiness with healthy doses of whimsy."and#8212;Booklist
"Malcolm is thoroughly likable . . . a good choice for younger students who are reading above grade level yet aren't quite ready for heavier emotional or thematic content."and#8212;School Library Journal
Review
"This gently Christian piece with Rohmannand#8217;s earnest pencil illustrations will please talking-animal fans."and#8212;Kirkus
"An impeccably constructed, good-humored adventure filled with master plans, near disasters, and brave rescues, all gently frightening for readers even younger than the target audience. Lowry creates a cozy church environment of lenient sextons, disheveled organists, and skittish Altar Guild ladies, from a mouse's point-of-view. Fun and lighthearted."and#8212;Publishers Weekly
"Lowry gilds her story with quaint details, extended in Rohmannand#8217;s charming spot and full-page illustrations, which reinforce the comedy and action and further develop the memorable characters. With touches of surprise and a satisfyingly predictable resolution, this is a strong choice for both classroom sharing and independent reading."and#8212;Booklist
Synopsis
A rat, a missing iguana, and a mystery all converge in this funny andand#160;heart-warming middle grade novel illustrated by New York Times best-seller Brian Lies.
Synopsis
When Malcolm the rat arrives as the pet at McKenna School, he revels in the attention. He also meets the Midnight Academy, a secret society of classroom pets that keeps the nutters (kids) safe. Thereand#8217;s just one problem: Rats have a terrible reputation! So when the Academyand#8217;s iguana leader is kidnapped, Malcolm must prove his innocenceand#8212;and showand#160;that even rats can be good guys. Illustrated by Brian Lies of Bats at the Beach, this engaging middle grade novel will have readers rooting for Malcolm as they try to solve the mystery alongside him.
Synopsis
A rat must solve the case of a missing iguana with the help of a secret society of classroom pets.and#160;Illustrated by New York Times best-seller Brian Lies!
Synopsis
A resilient and quirky colony of church mice fears another Great X more than they fear cats. Under Mouse Mistress Hildegardeand#8217;s leadership, they save themselves from one danger after anotherand#8212;sometimes just by the skin of their tails! Can one ultimate act of bravery during the feast day of St. Francis get Father Murphy to bless these mice and keep them safe forever? Rife with humor and personality, this young middle-grade novel has an old-fashioned feel with the makings of a modern classic.
About the Author
andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;W.H. Beck isandnbsp;both an author of childrenand#39;s books and a librarian. Sheandnbsp;grew up in Wisconsin, the oldest of four. As a kid, her dad always teased thatandnbsp;she would be a librarian someday. She read all the timeandmdash;walking home from school, while brushing her teeth, under the table at dinnertime, and under the covers at night. And, sure enough, after earning an elementary teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin,andnbsp;she went on to get a masterandrsquo;s degree in information studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She still lives and reads in Wisconsin and shares a home and books withandnbsp;her husband, two sons, andandnbsp;a big black dog.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A Bad Time for Babies! 1
Praying for Protection 10
Hildegarde Holds a Meeting 21
Hiding from Father Murphy 32
A Nighttime Raid 45
The Great X 60
Yikes! Outdoors! 71
Ignatious Explains the Horrors 83
Brave Volunteers Needed! 94
One Mouse is Missing! 106
Poor Lucretia! 120
The Blessing of the Animals 137