The Mouse Island Marathon

Running a marathon is an unlikely pastime for a nervous hero, and the gap between ambition and ability is where this illustrated adventure for young readers finds its comedy. The story belongs to the kind of chapter-book adventure children reach for once picture books are behind them: short scenes, large friendly type, colour illustration throughout and jokes pitched at readers rather than over their heads. Sport, effort and refusing to quit are the underlying ideas, delivered without solemnity, and the length is judged so a confident young reader can finish across a few sittings. Strengths readers mention: • A sporting challenge forming the spine of the plot • Colour artwork and lively page design on every spread • Persistence and effort handled lightly rather than earnestly • A length suited to readers moving into chapter books A good pick for primary school libraries and home shelves for ages seven to ten, and it is stocked at Boipoka.