If it hadn’t been for the delicious combination of chocolate and peppermint, Fredle might have lived his whole life as an indoor mouse. When he becomes ill from overeating, he is pushed from the safety of his family’s nest out onto the unprotected kitchen floor. There, Missus traps him under a glass and releases him outside. Having lived his whole life inside, there are so many outside things that Fredle doesn’t understand. What do outdoor mice eat? Where do they sleep? And what are the dangers to avoid? On his quest to get back home, Fredle is nearly eaten by raccoons, narrowly escapes being lunch for the barn cats, and has a scary conversation with a snake. Will Fredle be able to get back inside? Will he even want to know that he has seen the excitements of outside?

Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head