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Marty Moose
Marty Moose: First Class Mischief: Funny animal friendship adventure stories for readers age 6, 7, 8
The first instalment in a funny and charming two-colour series from a beloved and bestselling illustrator
It’s Marty Moose’s first day on the job as Postmouse. He’s ironed his uniform, polished his buttons and waxed his whiskers; he's ready to go! But things take a tricky turn when he gets lost in Whisker Warren and needs rescuing by a doolally rabbit named Nibbles, and then gets caught in the crossfire of two less-than-neighbourly toads. Who knew postage could be so perilous!
With lively, funny and characterful illustration and a brilliantly charming voice, this series is perfect for newly confident readers.
It’s Marty Moose’s first day on the job as Postmouse. He’s ironed his uniform, polished his buttons and waxed his whiskers; he's ready to go! But things take a tricky turn when he gets lost in Whisker Warren and needs rescuing by a doolally rabbit named Nibbles, and then gets caught in the crossfire of two less-than-neighbourly toads. Who knew postage could be so perilous!
With lively, funny and characterful illustration and a brilliantly charming voice, this series is perfect for newly confident readers.
Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2025
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Claire Powell
48 books24 followersI'm an illustrator and picture book maker based in London. In a previous life, I was a graphic designer who spent many years in the world of brand identity. Sometimes I go back to visit.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 22, 2025
when I started to read it I found it not that funny but when I started to read it more I loved it and it was so funny
November 14, 2025
This was so entertaining! Due to a work assignment, I had to proof read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed myself!
February 18, 2025
Marty Moose: First Class Mischief is the first book in a new children’s chapter book series about a mouse called Marty Moose. Now, you might be as confused as I was upon seeing the title and the cover and thinking, “Wouldn’t Marty Mouse have worked better?” Well, the opening of the book clears everything up – a blob of ink on the ‘U’ of mouse on his birth certificate is the culprit.
In this fun and amusing story, Marty is starting his first job as a Postmouse. He might be small, but he has a lot of determination and believes he will be able to deliver all the letters and parcels to the residents of Little Ditch (there is a map of the area at the front of the book). However, his day might not go quite as smoothly as he had hoped.
Marty Moose: First Class Mischief will keep children entertained from the first page until the last as they follow Marty delivering his letters. Along the way, he encounters a rabbit called Nibbles, who just so happens to be the most annoying fictional rabbit I have ever met.
The book is highly illustrated in mainly reds, pinks, and greys. The drawings bring the story to life and provide plenty of humour. Overall, this is a book that youngsters who have moved on from picture books and want something a little longer and more exciting can sink their teeth into. It is easy to read, doesn’t contain any difficult words, and also has short chapters and numerous alliterations throughout.
In this fun and amusing story, Marty is starting his first job as a Postmouse. He might be small, but he has a lot of determination and believes he will be able to deliver all the letters and parcels to the residents of Little Ditch (there is a map of the area at the front of the book). However, his day might not go quite as smoothly as he had hoped.
Marty Moose: First Class Mischief will keep children entertained from the first page until the last as they follow Marty delivering his letters. Along the way, he encounters a rabbit called Nibbles, who just so happens to be the most annoying fictional rabbit I have ever met.
The book is highly illustrated in mainly reds, pinks, and greys. The drawings bring the story to life and provide plenty of humour. Overall, this is a book that youngsters who have moved on from picture books and want something a little longer and more exciting can sink their teeth into. It is easy to read, doesn’t contain any difficult words, and also has short chapters and numerous alliterations throughout.
February 23, 2025
Rather madcap and quirky mouse-as-postman chapter book.
He's a Mouse but Marty is forever explaining he's technically a Moose due to an ink splodge on his birth certificate. Still, this hasn't stopped the young guy from following in his great aunt's footsteps and becoming a Postmouse! And today is his first day.
He's prepared, he's studied, and his dad has packed him a lunch of cheese (yuck). But when his superior (27 months as Employee of the Month) Cyril Snorter whips him round the office and throws a (suspiciously) heavy postbag on his shoulder, Marty is out on his own and soon lost in an underground rabbit warren looking for the right door.
Cue a totally barmy rabbit and some high jinks of postal delivery mayhem as the young mouse needs to live up to his promise of never missing a delivery, despite rather a lot of (gooey) obstacles in his way.
This was just nuts. Will have kids laughing at the silliness, and the short chapters with lots of great pictures will have readers speeding through and feeling bouyed up at finishing a whole book so soon.
One for read-alones I would say, for those who can now read but are daunted by longer books for now.
For ages 6-9.
With thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.
He's a Mouse but Marty is forever explaining he's technically a Moose due to an ink splodge on his birth certificate. Still, this hasn't stopped the young guy from following in his great aunt's footsteps and becoming a Postmouse! And today is his first day.
He's prepared, he's studied, and his dad has packed him a lunch of cheese (yuck). But when his superior (27 months as Employee of the Month) Cyril Snorter whips him round the office and throws a (suspiciously) heavy postbag on his shoulder, Marty is out on his own and soon lost in an underground rabbit warren looking for the right door.
Cue a totally barmy rabbit and some high jinks of postal delivery mayhem as the young mouse needs to live up to his promise of never missing a delivery, despite rather a lot of (gooey) obstacles in his way.
This was just nuts. Will have kids laughing at the silliness, and the short chapters with lots of great pictures will have readers speeding through and feeling bouyed up at finishing a whole book so soon.
One for read-alones I would say, for those who can now read but are daunted by longer books for now.
For ages 6-9.
With thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.
January 30, 2026
Marty Moose: First Class Mischief is a humor-filled chapter book about a mouse who, due to an ink mishap on his birth certificate, is known as Marty Moose. Marty wants to follow in his great-aunt’s footsteps and work at the post office, delivering mail. On his first day, he runs into several mishaps that make for an entertaining adventure.
What I Liked: The characters are hysterical, each one more outrageous than the last. From Nibbles , a super-energetic rabbit, to Velma and Vern, the feuding toad siblings, every character is memorable and adds so much to the story.
Claire Powell serves as both author and illustrator, using detailed artwork to bring Marty’s world to life. The map of Little Ditch is my favorite, as it allows readers to track how the locations in the story connect. With short chapters and engaging visuals on every page, this is an ideal transitional book for young readers.
Marty Moose: First Class Mischief is a must-read for any young reader who loves a hilarious, high-energy adventure
Thia review first appeared on YA Books Central and can be found here: https://yabookscentral.com/marty-moos...
What I Liked: The characters are hysterical, each one more outrageous than the last. From Nibbles , a super-energetic rabbit, to Velma and Vern, the feuding toad siblings, every character is memorable and adds so much to the story.
Claire Powell serves as both author and illustrator, using detailed artwork to bring Marty’s world to life. The map of Little Ditch is my favorite, as it allows readers to track how the locations in the story connect. With short chapters and engaging visuals on every page, this is an ideal transitional book for young readers.
Marty Moose: First Class Mischief is a must-read for any young reader who loves a hilarious, high-energy adventure
Thia review first appeared on YA Books Central and can be found here: https://yabookscentral.com/marty-moos...
February 3, 2025
Meet Marty Moose – the newest Postmouse in town! He’s got his uniform ironed, his buttons polished, and his whiskers looking their absolute best. He’s ready for his first day on the job!
But delivering letters isn’t as easy as he thought. First, he takes a wrong turn into Whisker Warren and ends up needing a rather bonkers bunny named Nibbles to bail him out. Then, just when he thinks he’s back on track, he finds himself stuck between two very grumpy toads having a not-so-friendly squabble. Who knew being a Postmouse could be so dramatic?
A delightful two-colour series full of lively illustrations and plenty of laughs. Great for read alouds or for early readers.
My six-year-old and I had the best time reading about Marty’s first day at work! Our favourite parts? The beautifully detailed map of Little Ditch at the start and the brilliant ‘How to Draw Marty’ guide at the end. And our favourite character? It has to be Nibbles!
But delivering letters isn’t as easy as he thought. First, he takes a wrong turn into Whisker Warren and ends up needing a rather bonkers bunny named Nibbles to bail him out. Then, just when he thinks he’s back on track, he finds himself stuck between two very grumpy toads having a not-so-friendly squabble. Who knew being a Postmouse could be so dramatic?
A delightful two-colour series full of lively illustrations and plenty of laughs. Great for read alouds or for early readers.
My six-year-old and I had the best time reading about Marty’s first day at work! Our favourite parts? The beautifully detailed map of Little Ditch at the start and the brilliant ‘How to Draw Marty’ guide at the end. And our favourite character? It has to be Nibbles!
January 14, 2025
When I say that this book is PERFECT, I really mean it!
Marty Moose is written and illustrated by Claire Powell and is executed with such thought and attention to detail that every page feels like an artwork. The words and the illustrations work together to create something really beautiful. The use of two colours is very effective, I can't wait to see more!
Inside, there is a charming map of Little Ditch where Marty lives, which I thoroughly enjoyed looking back on after reading the book. Honestly, you could print any page in this book and use it as a poster.
The story is funny and engaging, and made for an excellent read.
Marty Moose is written and illustrated by Claire Powell and is executed with such thought and attention to detail that every page feels like an artwork. The words and the illustrations work together to create something really beautiful. The use of two colours is very effective, I can't wait to see more!
Inside, there is a charming map of Little Ditch where Marty lives, which I thoroughly enjoyed looking back on after reading the book. Honestly, you could print any page in this book and use it as a poster.
The story is funny and engaging, and made for an excellent read.
February 5, 2025
This is a really fun book and the audio version would pass the time on a journey very well. This is a book my daughter would have listened to endlessly when she was young!
It's Marty's first day as a post mouse and things are not going well. He gets lost, almost gets eaten and is Nibbles rabbit helping or hindering him? 🤔
Join the pair as they navigate the difficulties of the day and see how many funny curse sayings you can spot, and then make up some of your own!
Narration by the author was clear and easy to listen to. As an adult, I needed it on 1.5x speed though.
It's Marty's first day as a post mouse and things are not going well. He gets lost, almost gets eaten and is Nibbles rabbit helping or hindering him? 🤔
Join the pair as they navigate the difficulties of the day and see how many funny curse sayings you can spot, and then make up some of your own!
Narration by the author was clear and easy to listen to. As an adult, I needed it on 1.5x speed though.
January 1, 2025
This is a very charming and whimsical read that reminds me of the "Armadillo and Hare" series written by Jeremy Strong . The story is very different but the writing style is somewhat similar. It has a nostalgic feel to it that will endear to younger children.
The illustration is absolutely glorious. I love the drawings and how they can help younger children visualise the whimsical world depicted in the story.
The illustration is absolutely glorious. I love the drawings and how they can help younger children visualise the whimsical world depicted in the story.
January 14, 2025
This was a really cute children’s book about Marty’s first day at the post mouse. The story has small chapters and plenty of lovely illustrations that will keep,a young child’s imagination going wild. It’s funny and kids will love it. Loved the different fonts too. 4.5 star read
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
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January 7, 2025Brash nonsense, providing a completely unedifying drama for the very young who might appreciate it. I disliked it quite intensely, and shall be sending a letter to myself to remind myself not to request any further books in the series.
February 28, 2025
What a fun read for children of all ages. Parents and grandparents will love reading this with their young ones because the story is something everyone can relate to, and the language is super fun to read aloud. I can't wait to share it. I am also looking forward to the next book.
May 10, 2025
Funny and mischievous tale of Marty the Post mouse on his first day of work.
Great illustrations, entertaining wring in short chapters. Will have wide appeal. Looking forward to reading extracts of this to classes when out and about.
Great illustrations, entertaining wring in short chapters. Will have wide appeal. Looking forward to reading extracts of this to classes when out and about.
January 3, 2025
3.5 stars
This is cute! Marty is a great little post mouse and tackles everything with bravery and a positive attitude! I loved the illustrations too - just gorgeous.
This is cute! Marty is a great little post mouse and tackles everything with bravery and a positive attitude! I loved the illustrations too - just gorgeous.
April 15, 2025
the illustrations are so funny and beautiful at the same time + so many puns = 5 stars
December 10, 2025
ARC Copy...Thought it was cute, funny and witty!
March 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I picked this up after meeting the lovely Claire Powell at Lincoln Children’s Book Festival and absolutely loved it! On meeting Powell you can really tell the amount of passion she has for her stories and illustrations and the children at the event did too! The story itself is all about friendship, trust and bravery and I absolutely loved it! It’s the perfect book for fans of Claude, adventure mice and isadora moon! The illustrations are so captivating and detailed and really add to the story too! Marty is amazing!!
AD/PR PRODUCT
I picked this up after meeting the lovely Claire Powell at Lincoln Children’s Book Festival and absolutely loved it! On meeting Powell you can really tell the amount of passion she has for her stories and illustrations and the children at the event did too! The story itself is all about friendship, trust and bravery and I absolutely loved it! It’s the perfect book for fans of Claude, adventure mice and isadora moon! The illustrations are so captivating and detailed and really add to the story too! Marty is amazing!!
AD/PR PRODUCT
May 22, 2025
Say hello to Marty Moose, Post Mouse extra-ordinaire!
I just ADORE Claire Powell’s art, so when I saw this book I just had to have it. 1) For the art. 2) For the story which sounded like so much fun.
In this book we meet Marty Moose, yes, he is clearly a mouse and well his name is all because of an inkblot (which you can also see in the title which is such a fun idea). He has a big family and bigger plans. He wants to follow into his great-aunt’s mouse steps and became a postie. I loved that he had dreams and that he was so eager to get started!
In this book we follow Marty on his very first day as a post mouse. From stepping into his outfit to getting his mail bag to finally delivering mail. I loved how eager he was though haha, he did give up a bit fast, then again I wonder if I had done the same had I been stuck in the burrows of rabbits who apparently didn’t care for any logical numbering of doors. I loved following Marty and learning more about him. He is quite the dapper mouse and I feel he has a great future ahead of him.
The book is full of chaos, all fun chaos. From strange characters to confusing numbers to toads that are really not in the mood for each other (and will go full war toad) to pranks to booby traps.
I wasn’t a fan of the shrew but I am glad to say that he will get his comeuppance.
I am still on the fence in regards to Nibbles Frizzby. I love her name and it made me laugh so hard when I said it out loud. But I just have a very low tolerance for over the top annoying/obnoxious characters and Nibbles has absolutely no clue how things/life works it seems. If she wants to toot her trumpet or just hop around without a care she will do that even if it is not the time/moment. At times I wanted to shake her because of how dumb she acted. Other times I quite liked her, I liked how she stuck with Marty and how she helped him out (even if that meant a few broken packages).
The illustrations, well, duh, they are fabulous. As expected!
All in all, I would highly recommend this terrific fun book to all. As for me? I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I just ADORE Claire Powell’s art, so when I saw this book I just had to have it. 1) For the art. 2) For the story which sounded like so much fun.
In this book we meet Marty Moose, yes, he is clearly a mouse and well his name is all because of an inkblot (which you can also see in the title which is such a fun idea). He has a big family and bigger plans. He wants to follow into his great-aunt’s mouse steps and became a postie. I loved that he had dreams and that he was so eager to get started!
In this book we follow Marty on his very first day as a post mouse. From stepping into his outfit to getting his mail bag to finally delivering mail. I loved how eager he was though haha, he did give up a bit fast, then again I wonder if I had done the same had I been stuck in the burrows of rabbits who apparently didn’t care for any logical numbering of doors. I loved following Marty and learning more about him. He is quite the dapper mouse and I feel he has a great future ahead of him.
The book is full of chaos, all fun chaos. From strange characters to confusing numbers to toads that are really not in the mood for each other (and will go full war toad) to pranks to booby traps.
I wasn’t a fan of the shrew but I am glad to say that he will get his comeuppance.
I am still on the fence in regards to Nibbles Frizzby. I love her name and it made me laugh so hard when I said it out loud. But I just have a very low tolerance for over the top annoying/obnoxious characters and Nibbles has absolutely no clue how things/life works it seems. If she wants to toot her trumpet or just hop around without a care she will do that even if it is not the time/moment. At times I wanted to shake her because of how dumb she acted. Other times I quite liked her, I liked how she stuck with Marty and how she helped him out (even if that meant a few broken packages).
The illustrations, well, duh, they are fabulous. As expected!
All in all, I would highly recommend this terrific fun book to all. As for me? I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews