Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Blue mouse is back in wacky, perilous lab-rescue saga.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE GREAT MOUSE ESCAPE finds Isaiah, the genetically engineered, talking blue mouse who escaped a horrible lab in Book 1, on another desperate quest. He and his BFF Mikayla are enjoying a quiet life with their human friend, 12-year-old Hailey, but it's not to last, as orange, yellow, and green bionic cats break down the door to snatch Isaiah back to the villainous scientist and his lab in Chicago — and wind up with Mikayla instead. Mikayla soon finds herself in a cage next to a lot of other captive animals, including baby mice and a lot of Isaiah's siblings. Isaiah, meanwhile, rushes to the rescue, as he and Hailey hop a Greyhound bus to Chicago. Unfortunately, their plan soon goes off the rails and Isaiah has to think fast. Fortunately, he's good at making friends. Also fortunately, so is Mikayla.
Is It Any Good?
Never a dull moment as master tale-spinners James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein share the continuing adventures of Isaiah the talking blue mouse, whose villainous captors at the lab want him back. Worse, they've got his best friend Mikayla, so it's time for The Great Mouse Escape, pronto. Thrills, laughs, and heartstring-tugging moments ensue, along with wild chase scenes in scary labs, Greek restaurants, and party warehouses. Also deep inter-species conversations in the bathroom of a Greyhound bus. As the wild tale unfolds, Jennifer L. Meyer's detailed, humorous illustrations bring the characters, plus their plight and personalities, to life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories whose characters are animals, like in The Great Mouse Escape. Why do you think animal characters are so popular in stories. How might this story be different if all the characters were human?
Have you ever had to travel somewhere by yourself? Where did you go, what happened, and how did you like it? Did it take courage, like the characters showed on their travels? How so?
If someone you love is in trouble and you can't help them by yourself, what would you do? Would you ask someone else for help? Would you just give up? Would you do something else?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Jennifer L. Meyer
- Genre : Animals
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Gratitude , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : JIMMY Patterson Books
- Publication date : June 17, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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