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Secrets at Sea #1
Secrets at Sea
The adorable tale of a family of mice stowaways on an adventurous ship's journey
In the beloved tradition of The Borrowers, The Tale of Despereaux, and The Cricket in Times Square, here is an irresistible adventure story about the tiny creatures who secretly live among us humans, as only Newbery Medal winner Richard Peck could imagine it. Set on a grand cruise ship to England in 1887, this beautifully illustrated tale of a charming family of mice is full of laughs, near misses, and surprises. Multiple-award-winning author Richard Peck at his best and most playful!
In the beloved tradition of The Borrowers, The Tale of Despereaux, and The Cricket in Times Square, here is an irresistible adventure story about the tiny creatures who secretly live among us humans, as only Newbery Medal winner Richard Peck could imagine it. Set on a grand cruise ship to England in 1887, this beautifully illustrated tale of a charming family of mice is full of laughs, near misses, and surprises. Multiple-award-winning author Richard Peck at his best and most playful!
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2011
56 people are currently reading
2155 people want to read
About the author
Richard Peck
112 books729 followersRichard Peck was an American novelist known for his prolific contributions to modern young adult literature. He was awarded the Newbery Medal in 2001 for his novel A Year Down Yonder. For his cumulative contribution to young-adult literature, he received the Margaret A. Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1990.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 442 reviews
August 10, 2016
It pains me to give a book by Richard Peck only 2 stars. I think he's a wonderful writer. His Grandma Dowdel books are absolutely hilarious. So 2 stars goes against my genuine admiration for Mr. Peck. But I just have to. It was a struggle to get through it. I just was absolutely not interested in the story or the characters. I wouldn't have cared if the ship's cat ate every last mouse on board and ended the book early. I probably would've cheered him on. Here, kitty, kitty, kitty....
November 20, 2011
Who would have thought? Richard Peck: the 21st Century Austen for the 8 to 10 set? But he IS! This little gem of a book has all the good stuff:
A cast of talking mice whose actions and living conditions are completely believable and are in tune with children’s fantasy play; a twisting, surprising, and humorous upstairs/downstairs comedy that involves Royalty and seafaring; the perennial favorite plot progression allowing the lower class main characters go up the social ladder due to good luck and hard work; and clean grown-up romances.
Peck’s deft hand also created a great protagonist in the no-nonsense Helena and made her think and speak properly like one would have from the late 1800s. I was completely charmed!
(And the full-page incidental illustrations add to its charm even more!)
Quick – go and get a copy and treat yourself and your young readers!!
A cast of talking mice whose actions and living conditions are completely believable and are in tune with children’s fantasy play; a twisting, surprising, and humorous upstairs/downstairs comedy that involves Royalty and seafaring; the perennial favorite plot progression allowing the lower class main characters go up the social ladder due to good luck and hard work; and clean grown-up romances.
Peck’s deft hand also created a great protagonist in the no-nonsense Helena and made her think and speak properly like one would have from the late 1800s. I was completely charmed!
(And the full-page incidental illustrations add to its charm even more!)
Quick – go and get a copy and treat yourself and your young readers!!
November 5, 2025
This book wasn't quite a three for me, but I decided to rate it on a curve, as there were some good quotes contained inside. This is definitely a different feel than the other books I have read by this author. I don't know if I will ever read the sequel, to tell the truth.
"What a sudden place the world is."
"Oh, what secrets the dark night keeps."
"Fame is like a secret. Both are hard to keep."
"What a sudden place the world is."
"Oh, what secrets the dark night keeps."
"Fame is like a secret. Both are hard to keep."
November 21, 2024
"How at ease I was with a human! I wouldn't have dreamed it. I suppose it is better to start with their children, who have open minds."
—Secrets at Sea, P. 171
Richard Peck not only has good moments as a writer, he's a terrific public speaker, as well. At the same time I was closing in on the end of Secrets at Sea, I was privileged to attend a live bookstore event for the Newbery Medalist, and few authors I've met come across more convincingly or forcefully than Richard Peck, all in an introspective, understated fashion. Richard Peck knows writing, and while his opinions on common points within the topic differ from those of most writers, his logic is consistent, and obviously has worked well throughout his award-winning career. One doesn't win a Newbery Medal for nothing; Richard Peck has proven over the long haul that he understands readers, and he understands kids. It is for their sake he willingly enters the solitary world of novel-making, and the truth of that comes through clearly in his writing. Who can help but be fond of an author who has given so much for you?
The Victorian Era (1837-1901) in Great Britain is nearing an end, but the powers of regimented tradition still hold firm in both the human and rodent worlds as a young mouse named Helena comes to terms with what it will mean to have the humans her mouse family lives with move away, across the ocean to lands unknown. While 'tis true time is always running out for mice, the seconds seem to have speeded up even more now, and it's going to be difficult to get everything in order to accompany the humans to their new home. But Helena is ready to move when the time arrives, despite the suddenness with which the change is enacted. What she isn't quite as ready for is the changes among her own family: a brother who wants to room with other guys his age and start thinking of a definite direction for his life as an adult, and a sister influenced by the love bug, far too prone to throw caution to the wind and venture beyond the safe perimeters of a mouse's traditional existence. As Helena and her family stow away onboard a ship destined to cross an entire ocean, some of the family members exercising more caution than others, she also begins to see the necessity of opening oneself up to the world to receive what it has to give, the bad as well as the good, even for a timid creature like a mouse. There are people we can give ourselves to, heart, mind, body and soul; indeed, people we should give ourselves to, because without giving freely of all we are to those certain special people, we've missed out on the best part of life. Love can be found in the oddest places, where we never would have looked and might have scoffed at the idea of there being any point in trying. When we make that right connection, whether for the first time or the tenth, there's no mistaking we've gotten it right, and all the prior days of bobbing in the doldrums become but a sweet prelude to the new life we've found. What mouse would ever say the days of aimlessness weren't worth the first sight of their new human's smile when, at long last, they finally find each other?
"This is how you hold on to your family...You hold them with open hands so they are free to find futures of their own. It's just that simple."
—Secrets at Sea, PP. 235-236
Primarily a standalone novel, Secrets at Sea does share a link with another Richard Peck offering, The Mouse with the Question Mark Tail. Since Richard Peck didn't consider it giving away too much about the books to publicly announce the following information, I will repeat it here: Secrets at Sea and The Mouse with the Question Mark Tail end on the same day in the same year in the same building, but one room apart. After reading Secrets at Sea, that intriguing tidbit was enough to pique my interest in the followup book, and I hope other readers who liked Secrets at Sea will continue on and read The Mouse with the Question Mark Tail to find out how the stories connect. Richard Peck does a solid job writing readable prose that flows smoothly and without too much complexity, even though the Victorian language style in Secrets at Sea is somewhat more elaborate than most of his books. Roughly forty years after beginning his career communicating with kids using the power of the written word, Richard Peck shows he still has the will and the way to touch young lives through his novels, and we are all beneficiaries. I would give one and a half stars to Secrets at Sea, and I nearly rounded that up instead of down. For lovers of stories told from the perspective of animals, what's not to like?
—Secrets at Sea, P. 171
Richard Peck not only has good moments as a writer, he's a terrific public speaker, as well. At the same time I was closing in on the end of Secrets at Sea, I was privileged to attend a live bookstore event for the Newbery Medalist, and few authors I've met come across more convincingly or forcefully than Richard Peck, all in an introspective, understated fashion. Richard Peck knows writing, and while his opinions on common points within the topic differ from those of most writers, his logic is consistent, and obviously has worked well throughout his award-winning career. One doesn't win a Newbery Medal for nothing; Richard Peck has proven over the long haul that he understands readers, and he understands kids. It is for their sake he willingly enters the solitary world of novel-making, and the truth of that comes through clearly in his writing. Who can help but be fond of an author who has given so much for you?
The Victorian Era (1837-1901) in Great Britain is nearing an end, but the powers of regimented tradition still hold firm in both the human and rodent worlds as a young mouse named Helena comes to terms with what it will mean to have the humans her mouse family lives with move away, across the ocean to lands unknown. While 'tis true time is always running out for mice, the seconds seem to have speeded up even more now, and it's going to be difficult to get everything in order to accompany the humans to their new home. But Helena is ready to move when the time arrives, despite the suddenness with which the change is enacted. What she isn't quite as ready for is the changes among her own family: a brother who wants to room with other guys his age and start thinking of a definite direction for his life as an adult, and a sister influenced by the love bug, far too prone to throw caution to the wind and venture beyond the safe perimeters of a mouse's traditional existence. As Helena and her family stow away onboard a ship destined to cross an entire ocean, some of the family members exercising more caution than others, she also begins to see the necessity of opening oneself up to the world to receive what it has to give, the bad as well as the good, even for a timid creature like a mouse. There are people we can give ourselves to, heart, mind, body and soul; indeed, people we should give ourselves to, because without giving freely of all we are to those certain special people, we've missed out on the best part of life. Love can be found in the oddest places, where we never would have looked and might have scoffed at the idea of there being any point in trying. When we make that right connection, whether for the first time or the tenth, there's no mistaking we've gotten it right, and all the prior days of bobbing in the doldrums become but a sweet prelude to the new life we've found. What mouse would ever say the days of aimlessness weren't worth the first sight of their new human's smile when, at long last, they finally find each other?
"This is how you hold on to your family...You hold them with open hands so they are free to find futures of their own. It's just that simple."
—Secrets at Sea, PP. 235-236
Primarily a standalone novel, Secrets at Sea does share a link with another Richard Peck offering, The Mouse with the Question Mark Tail. Since Richard Peck didn't consider it giving away too much about the books to publicly announce the following information, I will repeat it here: Secrets at Sea and The Mouse with the Question Mark Tail end on the same day in the same year in the same building, but one room apart. After reading Secrets at Sea, that intriguing tidbit was enough to pique my interest in the followup book, and I hope other readers who liked Secrets at Sea will continue on and read The Mouse with the Question Mark Tail to find out how the stories connect. Richard Peck does a solid job writing readable prose that flows smoothly and without too much complexity, even though the Victorian language style in Secrets at Sea is somewhat more elaborate than most of his books. Roughly forty years after beginning his career communicating with kids using the power of the written word, Richard Peck shows he still has the will and the way to touch young lives through his novels, and we are all beneficiaries. I would give one and a half stars to Secrets at Sea, and I nearly rounded that up instead of down. For lovers of stories told from the perspective of animals, what's not to like?
January 5, 2012
This is compared in the blurb to one of the most overrated children's books of the last few decades The Tale of Despereaux and it shouldn't be, because it's a lot better. No cloying "dear reader" narration here, but the charming voice of Helena, oldest surviving mouse daughter of the Cranston family.
Instead, compare this to Margery Sharp's immortal "Miss Bianca" who was served so badly by Disney's crappy film of The Rescuers. Here too is humor,wit and adventure. Not as pithy as Sharp, but well done and well worth reading.
Instead, compare this to Margery Sharp's immortal "Miss Bianca" who was served so badly by Disney's crappy film of The Rescuers. Here too is humor,wit and adventure. Not as pithy as Sharp, but well done and well worth reading.
January 4, 2019
A delight from start to finish: full of ridiculous jokes, absurd situations and a general air of total impossibility. Just wonderful.
2019 - I picked this up from the library and it took me a chapter or so to realise it was very familiar: I'd read it only 18 months ago. But the book is so delightfully written it was a joy to read it again. I don't think it's really intended as a children's book: there are far to many sly references to things that will go over the heads of most kids, and the style, with its dry wit, subtle and quirky humour, is surely there primarily for adult readers.
It surprises me, somewhat, to see a number of reviewers who say they didn't enjoy it. Plainly humour is an individual thing, and what appeals to one person doesn't appeal to another.
2019 - I picked this up from the library and it took me a chapter or so to realise it was very familiar: I'd read it only 18 months ago. But the book is so delightfully written it was a joy to read it again. I don't think it's really intended as a children's book: there are far to many sly references to things that will go over the heads of most kids, and the style, with its dry wit, subtle and quirky humour, is surely there primarily for adult readers.
It surprises me, somewhat, to see a number of reviewers who say they didn't enjoy it. Plainly humour is an individual thing, and what appeals to one person doesn't appeal to another.
January 27, 2012
The story centers on a family of mice (Three sisters and a brother) who live with their human companions the Cranston's. When the upstairs Cranston's deciede that it is time for one of their daughters to find a suitable husband, mice and humans must take a voyage to England. I found the story very charming. Their is lots of talk about who the Cranston's daughter should marry, titles, Queens and parties ensue. There is a few instances of peril but nothing that is to scary. Overall a fun adventure story for third to sixth graders. The illustrations by Kelly Murphy are beautifully done.
September 12, 2017
If The Mouse with the Question Mark Tail was a Boy Mouse's Own Adventure plus Downton Abbey for mice, this volume is definitely for the girl readers. However I wouldn't say they were "just" children's books, as much of the satire and sarcasm would be lost on kids today. It all goes back to the 19th century children's classics and adult novels of the Edith Wharton/Henry James sort, of the wealthy, crass Americans who go on a Grand Tour of Europe and hope to marry their daughter to a title. Which actually happened, right up to WW2; Nancy Astor for one, and many of her female relations for others.
This was written before the Boy Mouse Adventure, and it shows. The writing isn't as polished; it's repetitive and not as funny as it thinks it is. What saved it from two stars are the illustrations. I'm just funny that way, but Peck could have done better. I was surprised to realise he was the same author who wrote Are You in the House Alone?.
One wonders if Peck is going to make a habit of these mouse tails; one rather hopes not.
This was written before the Boy Mouse Adventure, and it shows. The writing isn't as polished; it's repetitive and not as funny as it thinks it is. What saved it from two stars are the illustrations. I'm just funny that way, but Peck could have done better. I was surprised to realise he was the same author who wrote Are You in the House Alone?.
One wonders if Peck is going to make a habit of these mouse tails; one rather hopes not.
November 27, 2011
Absolutely delightful. This new book by Richard Peck, which I have read before, is wonderfully written and illustrated. The language is so descriptive and evocative, you can practically see the little mice's ears twitch and whiskers wiggle. The book takes place right before Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, and the historical details definitely add to the overall story.
The Cranston mice, watched over by big sister Helena, live with the Cranston family. When the family decides they must sail to England to find a husband for nearly-spinster Olive, the mice decide they must go as well. The ocean voyage, with its dangers and delights, makes up the bulk of the story.
Several plot twists kept me delighted right up until the end of the story. A true fairy tale, happy endings all around. This would be an excellent read-aloud. I can't say enough nice things about this book.
The Cranston mice, watched over by big sister Helena, live with the Cranston family. When the family decides they must sail to England to find a husband for nearly-spinster Olive, the mice decide they must go as well. The ocean voyage, with its dangers and delights, makes up the bulk of the story.
Several plot twists kept me delighted right up until the end of the story. A true fairy tale, happy endings all around. This would be an excellent read-aloud. I can't say enough nice things about this book.
March 27, 2013
Sometimes it's not necessarily what's new that's brought to the table, but the manner and skill in which it's presented. This is such a case. Thank you Richard Peck for a few respite "date nights" with my best friend filled with humor, fake British accents, and a great message on family.
March 2, 2023
3.5 Stars rounded up.
A story featuring anthropomorphic animals, especially mice, is right in my wheelhouse. So naturally, I had to pick this up. The premise is lovely, the characters are memorable, and there's a nice bit of humor thrown in. The illustrations are beautifully done. However, the writing could have been better developed, and that is what bogs the story down. It's no Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH or The Tale of Desperaux, but it will do just fine for its intended audience and age range.
Personal note that isn't related to the novel's merit in any way but still needed to be recorded
I read this while waiting in the digital queue to purchase tickets for Min Yoongi's solo 2023 concert tour. Tickets were successfully purchased, and thus this book will always have a special place in my heart in remembrance of this blissful day.
A story featuring anthropomorphic animals, especially mice, is right in my wheelhouse. So naturally, I had to pick this up. The premise is lovely, the characters are memorable, and there's a nice bit of humor thrown in. The illustrations are beautifully done. However, the writing could have been better developed, and that is what bogs the story down. It's no Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH or The Tale of Desperaux, but it will do just fine for its intended audience and age range.
Personal note that isn't related to the novel's merit in any way but still needed to be recorded
I read this while waiting in the digital queue to purchase tickets for Min Yoongi's solo 2023 concert tour. Tickets were successfully purchased, and thus this book will always have a special place in my heart in remembrance of this blissful day.
December 8, 2017
Picked up this book on Audio because I like Richard Peck. I also grabbed a Christmas story. I thought I was putting the Christmas story in the CD player. Listened to A whole track before Helena says, "We're mice" Oh, Haha, that makes more sense.
This was a really fun story, and had a lot of historical detail, even though it was about mice.
I enjoy stories about really tiny things, like The Borrowers, Beatrix Potter's story, and such, and this one was really funny and also had a good ending.
This was a really fun story, and had a lot of historical detail, even though it was about mice.
I enjoy stories about really tiny things, like The Borrowers, Beatrix Potter's story, and such, and this one was really funny and also had a good ending.
December 13, 2018
This is how you hold onto your family. You hold them with open hands so they are free to find futures of their own. It's just that simple
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the amazing aspect of it as many of you who read and reviewed it here in Goodreads.
It was a plain read nothing special. Maybe suitable for the young princesses but I don’t know if I will recommend it or not.
October 13, 2022
One of those books I read ages ago that should probably have its merit tested with a reread. (I'll get around to that. Eventually.😂) But I remember enjoying this one a lot despite the MCs being animals—so for now, I'd say that definitely warrants a good rating.
August 15, 2024
don't know if this is because i read the e-book but this wasn't well written and i know it's a middle grade book and it does read like a middle grade book but it was very badly written.
June 17, 2021
This is a cute chapter book for kids. I think it's a series...
June 11, 2011
SECRETS AT SEA is Richard Peck’s latest middle-grade novel, with lovely soft-edged illustrations by Kelly Murphy.
This is a charming historical novel about mice, and that’s a phrase I’ve never written before. It stars mice siblings in fact, and the oldest sister Helena, like every good eldest sister, is in charge and, naturally, the narrator. Most of the story takes place during a trans-Atlantic crossing aboard a great ocean liner due to reach England in time for Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee in 1897. It’s a mice-tale of manners, a swirl of romance and royalty, ball gowns, weddings and many coursed-meals, whether with humans at the Captain’s table or at the mice’s yardstick table on thread spool seats.
The mice siblings live with the wealthy, but comic and all-too-human Cranston family who are headed for London to find suitable matches for their two daughters. Mrs. Cranston in particular says all the wrong things with, as described by one passenger, “a voice like the cawing of a crow,” displaying “shoulders like sides of beef.” The mice sisters, Helena, Beatrice and Louise, and their pesky brother Lamont, all hate water, but accompany their human family tucked away in their steamer trunks. They find the ship teeming with a hierarchy of all classes of mice also accompanying their human passengers, and of course, a ship’s cat. Helena and her siblings work feverishly behind the scenes, relying on every rodent social connection they can muster to compensate for the clumsy Cranstons, and match-make for the deserving Cranston girls. They are aided by, among others, Nigel the Mouse Steward, the old Duchess of Cheddar Gorge who has “terrible teeth and breath that would kill flies,” and dashing Lord Peter, Mouse Equerry.
To the reader’s happy satisfaction, mice and humans both find plenty of romance and adventure at sea. Best of all, Peck’s trademark dry humor and sly sense of fun are in full play on every page of SECRETS AT SEA.
This is a charming historical novel about mice, and that’s a phrase I’ve never written before. It stars mice siblings in fact, and the oldest sister Helena, like every good eldest sister, is in charge and, naturally, the narrator. Most of the story takes place during a trans-Atlantic crossing aboard a great ocean liner due to reach England in time for Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee in 1897. It’s a mice-tale of manners, a swirl of romance and royalty, ball gowns, weddings and many coursed-meals, whether with humans at the Captain’s table or at the mice’s yardstick table on thread spool seats.
The mice siblings live with the wealthy, but comic and all-too-human Cranston family who are headed for London to find suitable matches for their two daughters. Mrs. Cranston in particular says all the wrong things with, as described by one passenger, “a voice like the cawing of a crow,” displaying “shoulders like sides of beef.” The mice sisters, Helena, Beatrice and Louise, and their pesky brother Lamont, all hate water, but accompany their human family tucked away in their steamer trunks. They find the ship teeming with a hierarchy of all classes of mice also accompanying their human passengers, and of course, a ship’s cat. Helena and her siblings work feverishly behind the scenes, relying on every rodent social connection they can muster to compensate for the clumsy Cranstons, and match-make for the deserving Cranston girls. They are aided by, among others, Nigel the Mouse Steward, the old Duchess of Cheddar Gorge who has “terrible teeth and breath that would kill flies,” and dashing Lord Peter, Mouse Equerry.
To the reader’s happy satisfaction, mice and humans both find plenty of romance and adventure at sea. Best of all, Peck’s trademark dry humor and sly sense of fun are in full play on every page of SECRETS AT SEA.
December 27, 2014
3.5
This book brought back memories of childhood. I went through this phase where I’d only (or at least mainly) read books about animals and I guess there’s a part of me that always will love stories of this nature. I would have adored this book even more as kid and I almost wish it had been around ten or so years ago. The truth is we never really know what animals think or do when we’re not looking and I’m always interested in stories that play on this concept.
Don’t be fooled by the fact that this is a children’s book. The story telling was impeccable as was the characterization and writing. I always find the story telling, that is the flow of plot and mood, in children’s books to be far superior to that in books for teens or adults. There are no loose ends, no wasted words and the story engages you from start to finish. Seemingly irrelevant details always come into play later on and the book ties off neatly at the end. You are only left wondering about the future, what happens after the book ends, not questioning gaps in the story.
The characters are quirky and memorable and surprisingly well fleshed out for such a short book. The world building is smart and I love the way mice are integrated into the human world. It is funny at times and sad at others, but always works out in the end. There is a touch of romance but at it’s heart it is a story about family. All of this together made the story sweet and cute which is what I was looking for when I picked it up. The illustrations are wonderfully imaginative and really add to the story. Secrets at Sea leaves you feeling warm and happy and slightly sad, which is how all good books should leave you. Recommended.
This book brought back memories of childhood. I went through this phase where I’d only (or at least mainly) read books about animals and I guess there’s a part of me that always will love stories of this nature. I would have adored this book even more as kid and I almost wish it had been around ten or so years ago. The truth is we never really know what animals think or do when we’re not looking and I’m always interested in stories that play on this concept.
Don’t be fooled by the fact that this is a children’s book. The story telling was impeccable as was the characterization and writing. I always find the story telling, that is the flow of plot and mood, in children’s books to be far superior to that in books for teens or adults. There are no loose ends, no wasted words and the story engages you from start to finish. Seemingly irrelevant details always come into play later on and the book ties off neatly at the end. You are only left wondering about the future, what happens after the book ends, not questioning gaps in the story.
The characters are quirky and memorable and surprisingly well fleshed out for such a short book. The world building is smart and I love the way mice are integrated into the human world. It is funny at times and sad at others, but always works out in the end. There is a touch of romance but at it’s heart it is a story about family. All of this together made the story sweet and cute which is what I was looking for when I picked it up. The illustrations are wonderfully imaginative and really add to the story. Secrets at Sea leaves you feeling warm and happy and slightly sad, which is how all good books should leave you. Recommended.
February 17, 2017
A cute mouse-tale with very nice artwork.
I didn't realize that behind many successful families there could be an army of mice modeling their lives and influencing outcomes--an imaginative premise.
I didn't realize that behind many successful families there could be an army of mice modeling their lives and influencing outcomes--an imaginative premise.
July 2, 2022
The purpose of the whole story is marrying off daughters. Mostly the awkward and not as pretty one. She's the family embarrassment and no one has a kind word to describe her because she trips a lot?! And isn't as pretty as her sister.
It's full of unnecessary gender stereotypes. It has moments of fat shaming. Mrs. Cranstons shoulders, gasp. And a little boy who hides sweets and gets threatened with a hairbrush beating for being round. So many comments were in poor taste. It gave so many examples of how I would not want my daughters to talk to or treat each other. It was full of judgemental comments. It was incredibly disappointing considering the author has received awards in children's literature. It was one of the worst books I read to my kids and didn't even want to finish it, after one chapter just kept hoping it would get better. It was zero stars.
It's full of unnecessary gender stereotypes. It has moments of fat shaming. Mrs. Cranstons shoulders, gasp. And a little boy who hides sweets and gets threatened with a hairbrush beating for being round. So many comments were in poor taste. It gave so many examples of how I would not want my daughters to talk to or treat each other. It was full of judgemental comments. It was incredibly disappointing considering the author has received awards in children's literature. It was one of the worst books I read to my kids and didn't even want to finish it, after one chapter just kept hoping it would get better. It was zero stars.
February 28, 2013
I usually like stories of animals having adventures such as this, but I found this story rather dull and there were a few things every now and again I didn't like...how the eldest girl spoke of her youngest brother and boys in general, a scene looking into a "crystal ball" which was really a marble, and the repeated phrases over and over again by the main character got very tiresome.
For the audio, the narrator was only okay, I thought, and and didn't have an inviting reading voice.
I could only get to disc 2 when the youngest mouse daughter was dreaming of running away with some other male mouse (speaking out loud while dreaming) and I just had to turn it off.
For the audio, the narrator was only okay, I thought, and and didn't have an inviting reading voice.
I could only get to disc 2 when the youngest mouse daughter was dreaming of running away with some other male mouse (speaking out loud while dreaming) and I just had to turn it off.
February 16, 2012
I listened to the audio version twice in a row. It sort of left me cold the first time through, which is very unusual for a Peck book. So I started reading some reviews online, and when they quoted from the book, I found myself smiling at the clever turns of phrase. So I listened again, and found the book more cohesive and enjoyable the second time through. I think I would have awarded it an extra star if I'd read the print version, but audio is so much easier to slip into a busy schedule than print.
December 9, 2011
The Ghost Belonged to Me by Richard Peck is one of my favorite books from my childhood so I decided to read his latest book for young children and loved it! This is fun historical fiction in which the mice living in aristocratic homes take on the personalities and rank of their "upstairs" families. This story has adventure (crossing the Atlantic bound to England,) romance, and lots of great humor. I highly recommend this one!
3rd grade and up.
3rd grade and up.
January 22, 2012
A 2.5 star. I think it was a creative idea and stories of mice are tried and true (Motorcycle Ralph; Miss Frisby and Rats of Nimh; Redwall, etc). Although this story is aimed at young readers it feels long and there are too many characters, it's hard to keep the mouse character names seperate from the human character names. Overall, it was cute. I wouldn't worry about Belle reading it other than getting frustrated.
April 2, 2012
Cute, but frothy. Never quite gets going as an adventure, misses a little bit for tone for a comedy. Entertaining probably for younger readers as a read aloud, just didn't charm me like I thought it would. But I would likely recommend as a read aloud for first or second grade, with some explaining of the historical elements necessary, like class and rank. I guess I'm just not sure who this book is meant for. Not up to Mr. Peck's usual standards.
December 20, 2011
The book was okay. I expected a more engaging story from Richard Peck. The story takes place on a cruses ship from America to England. A family of mice accompany their human family on a trip to England where the humans hope to find a husband for their oldest daughter. Some drama ensues as the mice encounter the ship’s cat and various members of the royal family (both mice and humans).
October 25, 2013
mice move from provincial bourgeois outer nyc life to england, to get the human family's oldest daughter married to some rich brit, if possible, as she is uglly and gauch, but then so is mom and dad. the mice decide to go with them and madcap escapades ensue on board the luxury line a la 1890's. s'ok. nice illustrations by peck's old art hand kelly murphy.
November 2, 2011
Deeeelightful animal fantasy with Peck's signature warmth, and mix of subtle humor and all out farce. Grades 4 and up or a great read-a-loud for younger ones. For those who like Poppy, Cricket in Times Square, Tumtum and Nutmeg, The Littles, and other miniature worlds.
February 4, 2012
The story of a family of mice and their parallel human family struggling to make a place for themselves in high society. Whimsical and humorous, short and sweet. I loved the detailed illustrations in every chapter. It was fun to spot the little mice hidden away.
December 27, 2012
This charming story of a family of mice and their adventures is clever and very fun. There are plenty of interesting characters, lots of excitement, and a few plots twists. There is nothing offensive and will appeal to both genders.
Recommended for: Ages 9 - 12
Recommended for: Ages 9 - 12
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