Info
- Age Range: 5-9
- Grade level: K-4
- Hardcover: 48 pages
- Publisher: Candlewick (December 14, 2021)
- ISBN-10: 1536213004
- ISBN-13: 978-1536213003
- Junior Library Guild Selection
- Kirkus Best Books of 2021 for Beginning Readers
“The adorable mouse best friends are back, brainstorming, problem-solving, and celebrating 100 days of school.”
~Kirkus, starred review
In their fourth adventure, classroom mice Fergus and Zeke—after a few false starts—jump into a creative project to help the kids mark the one hundredth day of school.
Fergus and Zeke love being the class pets in Miss Maxwell’s classroom, and they do everything the students do. But when the kids start collecting items and doing gym challenges and making projects to celebrate the one hundredth day of school, the mice can’t seem to find a way to join in. One hundred miles is a very long distance when you’re running on your spinny wheel. One hundred seconds is a very short time when you’re trying to take a nap. Stacking one hundred wood chips makes a tower that tips and falls before you’re even halfway done. And writing a story with exactly one hundred words means abandoning your characters in the middle of the action! Will these two classroom mice ever come up with the perfect project to celebrate the one hundredth day?
Praise for the Fergus and Zeke series:
“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 read-aloud 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