Parents' Guide to Basil of Baker Street: The Great Mouse Detective, Book 1

Violence & Scariness

The two detectives are briefly captured and held prisoner by the villains. The story hinges on the kidnapping of little mouse twins Agatha and Angela, and even though no real harm comes to anyone, the whole concept may be too upsetting for sensitive kids.

"'It's you who'll be caught,' said Basil sternly. 'And you'll pay for your crimes -- I'll see to it!'

"'Not a chance, you snoop! You'll be too busy playin' tag with the fishes at the bottom of the ocean!'"

Positive Messages

Use your brain to solve problems and help others; treat others with kindness. Be brave and steadfast, especially when dealing with bad guys. Also, the experience of the kidnapped twins highlights the importance of not going off with strangers.

Positive Role Models

The great Basil may be smarter than the average mouse, but he's a humble, hardworking student of the master detective -- and uses his skills for the benefit of his fellow mice. His loyal sidekick Dr. Dawson, like Dr. Watson in the Holmes tales, is brave and helpful (and, like Watson, hilariously dim from time to time). The parents of the abducted twins are devoted, loving, and beside themselves with anxiety. There are several villainous characters -- and an unfortunate mouse forced to do their bidding because they threaten his family, but he tries to be kind anyway.

Educational Value

Many little kids will get their first introduction to Sherlock Holmes from the Great Mouse Detective tales, as the legendary sleuth inspires the mice living in his basement. They'll also pick up a bit of science as Basil, following his mentor's lead, analyzes soil samples and the like to solve the case. He also consults atlases, travel guides, and other references. Older readers already familiar with the Holmes stories (and, perhaps, reading this aloud for the little ones) will get a kick out of the appearance of assorted characters and story elements. There's an old-fashioned style to the narrative, along with terms such as "ne'er-do-well" that may require a bit of explanation for today's young readers.