The Mouse and the Motorcyle by Beverly Cleary

This story we listened to in the car on audio on one of our many commutes. Clearly this one caught the attention of my 6 year old. The idea of a mouse riding a motorcycle was wonderous! The story begins with a boy staying in a hotel with his parents when he happened upon a mouse who could talk. They became fast friends and the boy lent the mouse his toy motorcycle to use. You can only imagine the adventures and troubles the mouse got into. Action-packed with an element of soft-hearted friendship.

We give this story 2 great big thumbs up!
Excellent for kids 5 & older.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

The first three chapters of this book were wonderful until my 11yo son read the rest without me. He was so intrigued he couldn't put it down and had to finish it. Needless to say I still have yet to finish.
The story begins on an Island in the South Pacific in which lived the people of Ghalas-at. A young girl named Karana finds herself stranded on the island after the Aleut people killed many of her people and the white people captured the rest. The imagery and storytelling captured us and we felt like we were with her. It is a based on a true story that reveals courage, serenity and greatness of spirit.

My son gives this story two thumbs up.
I recommend this book for ages 10yrs and older.

Harry the Poisonous Centipede by Lynne Reid Banks

This was an interesting book. My son was completely engaged in listening to it. It is a story about the adventures of a poisonous centipede told from the perspective of an insect and how we Hoo-Mins, as they calls us, might be strange and scary creatures to them.  My son and I had many discussions about our presence in the insect and bug world.  This was a great story full of laughter and adventure but also had the added element of 'food-for-thought'.

My son gives this story 2 thumbs up!
A great read for 6yrs and older.

Redwall (The Series) by Brian Jacques

This series is full of action and adventure but not for the faint of heart. It is a fantasy story of mice and other woodland creatures who live at Redwall Abbey. The villian of this story is an evil rat named Cluny the Scourge who wants to overthrow the Abbey's current residents. In order to rid themselves of Cluny they have to go on a quest to find the Legendary Sword.
There are alot of mature descriptions within this story so it is recommended for ages 12 & up.

My son gives this series two thumbs & two big toes up!