Fergus and Zeke - (Candlewick Sparks) by Kate Messner (Paperback)

About the Book

Fergus, the pet mouse in Miss Maxwell's classroom, stows away in a backpack on a field trip to the museum. He makes a new friend, Zeke, another mouse, who shows Fergus many interesting exhibits, but now he wonders how to get back to school.

Book Synopsis

"The four chapters of this easy reader zip right along with a straightforward, breezy plot and two charming, mischievous mice leading the way." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Fergus loves being the class pet. When the teacher plans a field trip to a museum, Fergus doesn't want to miss the fun, so he stows away in a backpack and sets off for an adventure. The museum is a little overwhelming -- huge and full of exciting things to see. Luckily, Fergus meets a new friend, Zeke, who knows the ropes, and together they explore everything from moon rocks to butterflies to a giant dinosaur skeleton. But when it's time for the bus to leave, will Fergus make it back to school to take his place as class pet once more?

Review Quotes

The four chapters of this easy reader zip right along with a straightforward, breezy plot and two charming, mischievous mice leading the way...The art's peppy lines and occasional plays on perspective support but never overwhelm the text. Short sentences, some stealthy repetition, and a host of sight words give plenty of scaffolding to young readers, and this might also make a diverting readaloud before a class trip.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Messner's first in a new early-reader series (Fergus and Zeke will visit the school science fair next) is divided into four chapters and meant for those who are confident enough in their reading abilities to begin to make the transition to chapter books. Ross' digital illustrations add interest and break up the text, giving readers a mouse's-eye view of the museum and its fascinating exhibits...Here's to more adventures for Fergus and Zeke!
--Kirkus Reviews

Messner (the Ranger in Time books) lets readers live out their Night at the Museum fantasies through Fergus and Zeke's explorations...Ross's (Grimelda: The Very Messy Witch) energetic full-color cartoons run wild with the museum-as-playground theme, and Zeke's decision to join Fergus in the classroom neatly sets up their next adventure.
--Publishers Weekly

Messner's text is approachable and creative, and builds suspense that will keep readers excited until the end. Ross' illustrations expand the text and breathe life into two adorable mice and the museum experience. This first book in a new series is sure to be a hit.
--Booklist

Small children of a compliant nature will find a kindred spirit in the mouse-hero of Kate Messner's entertaining easy-reader 'Fergus and Zeke' (Candlewick, 52 pages, $14.99)...Cheery illustrations by Heather Ross add zip to this educational excursion for 5- to 8-year-olds.
--The Wall Street Journal

The vocabulary is accessible to readers moving beyond the simplest texts and ready for a more complex narrative. Ross's cheery digital line drawings mirror the text and enhance readers' understanding. An enjoyable addition to chapter book collections, especially where heavily illustrated works at this level are needed.
--School Library Journal

Kate Messner has written a great story about friendship and how to solve problems that beginning readers will want to read and enjoy frequently. This is an excellent book for all libraries--classroom and school.
--School Library Connection

About the Author

Kate Messner is an award-winning author whose books for kids have been New York Times Notable, Junior Library Guild, IndieBound, and Bank Street College of Education Best Books selections. She lives on Lake Champlain.

Heather Ross is an illustrator and fabric designer. She lives in New York City and the Catskill Mountains.