Secrets at Sea

Gr 2–6—The Cranston home is shared by a human and a mouse family in Richard Peck's witty novel (Dial, 2011) set in 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Cranston decide that it is time to travel abroad to find a husband for their oldest daughter, Olive. This sets in motion an unforgettable journey for both families as Helena, the oldest mouse, decides to take her family along on the trip across the Atlantic, hidden inside a steamer trunk amongst the gloves and handkerchiefs. While onboard, the family of mice shares various adventures by making new friends, trying to avoid the ship's cat, and working together to intervene in the destiny of their human family. In turn, their own fates are made clear as well. This charming tale is enlivened by the engaging, expressive voice of Jayne Entwistle. A good choice for fans of Kate Di Camillo's The Tale of Despereaux, The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden, or The Borrowers by Mary Norton.—Lyn Gebhard, Sparta Public Library, NJ