Illustrated by Paula Bowles Barrington Stoke ISBN 9781781129517 £6.99
Minetta Mouse is tired of the selfish and greedy rats eating all the food left by the Two Legs in Hollyhock House. Wise owl Sage comes to her rescue and a plan is hatched. Using a broken tea cup as a loudspeaker, tiny Minetta finds her voice, and all the mice as well as a flock of doves bravely invade the attic where the rats live. Minetta stands up for herself and the others, saying they must find a way to live together fairly and in peace. As Sage tells them, just like owls, they will form a parliament, hence Minetta becomes Madam Squeaker, her actions having helped her to find her own voice, without the aid of a loudspeaker. With short chapters, well-spaced text and short sentences, this is a perfect book for newly independent readers. An empowering story for girls and small individuals everywhere.
Pam Dowson
