Mouse Scouts (Mouse Scouts #1)

Gr 1-4--An illustrated chapter book series comprised of the winsome tales of Tigerlily and Violet, two newly minted Acorn Scouts. The pair of friends are joined by their fellow mice in adventures. Each title follows the protagonists as they attempt to earn a badge, guided by their scout leader, Miss Poppy. In the first installment, the girls work diligently at growing a garden, all the while fending off pesky weevils and squirrels. In the second story, the troop decides to earn the Make a Difference badge by cleaning up the local park. But during their clean up attempt, they must rescue a cat--a natural mouse predator--from a tree using a basket and pulley system. Peppered with black-and-white pencil drawings, excerpts from the Mouse Scout Handbook, and a copy of the Mouse Scout Song, this series is sure to appeal to any new or old scouts. Additionally, the books contain an illustrated listing of badges, hinting at future titles in which the girls attempt to earn Fun and Foraging or Friendship badges. The two main characters, Tigerlily and Violet, are polar opposites, with Tigerlily being a bit of a wild child and Violet more reserved, reminiscent of Ivy and Bean. Full of feel-good messages and morality lessons, these books are a creative and fun way to interest young readers in teamwork and environmental stewardship. VERDICT At times the comedy and vocabulary may be tricky for newly emergent readers, but these titles would do well in libraries with fans of Judy Moody, Junie B. Jones, and the Nancy Drew Clue Crew.--Kaitlin Malixi, Virginia Beach Public Library, VA