What do you think?
Rate this book
Marty Moose
Marty Moose: First Class Mischief
"A roller coaster of a book loaded with mayhem, wordplay, burps and farts, and onomatopoeia that will keep readers tuned in and laughing out loud." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Who knew delivering the mail could be so perilous? A silly, mischievous story of independence, self-confidence, bravery, and friendship.
Just because you’re small doesn’t mean you can’t be brave.
That’s the advice Great-Aunt Ada gives Marty Moose for his first day on the job as a mailmouse for the Little Ditch Post Office. With his mailbag in hand, Marty is ready to follow in her footsteps, but filling them proves difficult even with the help of a scrappy and energetic bunny named Nibbles. When a pair of pesky neighbors prevents him from delivering his last package, Marty and his new friend Nibbles must figure out together how to finish the job, even if that means breaking the rules. With lively, funny, and characterful illustrations and a charming narrative voice, this series first is just right for newly confident readers.
Who knew delivering the mail could be so perilous? A silly, mischievous story of independence, self-confidence, bravery, and friendship.
Just because you’re small doesn’t mean you can’t be brave.
That’s the advice Great-Aunt Ada gives Marty Moose for his first day on the job as a mailmouse for the Little Ditch Post Office. With his mailbag in hand, Marty is ready to follow in her footsteps, but filling them proves difficult even with the help of a scrappy and energetic bunny named Nibbles. When a pair of pesky neighbors prevents him from delivering his last package, Marty and his new friend Nibbles must figure out together how to finish the job, even if that means breaking the rules. With lively, funny, and characterful illustrations and a charming narrative voice, this series first is just right for newly confident readers.
160 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2025
About the author
Claire Powell
47 books26 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 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
July 29, 2026
A charming, humorous and entertaining children’s novel. It was particularly enhanced by the excellent illustrations on each page. It was thoroughly enjoyed by my Year 3 class.
April 9, 2026
This illustrated, early chapter book would make a delightful bedtime read-aloud for a parent, sure to cause giggles if they lean into the performance of its alliterative creative cursing ("ravenous rascals! thundering thistles!") and onomatopoeia ("squack! splop!") Silly fun for both parent and kid.
November 14, 2025
This was so entertaining! Due to a work assignment, I had to proof read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed myself!
June 7, 2026
A cute, laugh out loud book about a mouse starting his new job as a PostMouse. First class!
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.
June 3, 2026
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: https://bookreadingtic.com/2026/06/02... AND PLEASE FOLLOW ME, THANK YOU!
The First Day as a Mailmouse
Join Marty Moose’s adventures on his first day as a Mailmouse. Not only does he want to do a good job, he wants to live up to his legendary Great-Aunt Ada, a famous Mailmouse.
The first day, he faces many challenges including when he meets Nibbles Frizzby who wants to be Marty’s friend, and tags along with him.
Lots of things happen including Marty and Nibbles trying to find their way through a booby-trapped yard. The two toads who live there fight terribly until they decide Marty would taste delicious. That is when his new friend, Nibbles, comes in handy.
Lots of mayhem goes on, including Marty discovering he had been pranked, and it was done by the last one he expected. Because of that, the end of the book has a big finish.
Be warned, this story has a lot of toots–flatulence–involved which causes many children to laugh uncontrollably. This five-star book will be enjoyed by children aged six through nine-years-old who will find this book very funny.
Thanks to Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Marty Moose,” by Clair Powell, for the purpose of review. Opinions are my own.
The First Day as a Mailmouse
Join Marty Moose’s adventures on his first day as a Mailmouse. Not only does he want to do a good job, he wants to live up to his legendary Great-Aunt Ada, a famous Mailmouse.
The first day, he faces many challenges including when he meets Nibbles Frizzby who wants to be Marty’s friend, and tags along with him.
Lots of things happen including Marty and Nibbles trying to find their way through a booby-trapped yard. The two toads who live there fight terribly until they decide Marty would taste delicious. That is when his new friend, Nibbles, comes in handy.
Lots of mayhem goes on, including Marty discovering he had been pranked, and it was done by the last one he expected. Because of that, the end of the book has a big finish.
Be warned, this story has a lot of toots–flatulence–involved which causes many children to laugh uncontrollably. This five-star book will be enjoyed by children aged six through nine-years-old who will find this book very funny.
Thanks to Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Marty Moose,” by Clair Powell, for the purpose of review. Opinions are my own.
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...
March 28, 2026
Sheer delight and quirky fun and mischievousness! Bright colors and detailed drawings characterize the lively charm of postman Marty as he goes about his adventurous mail route.
The book opens to a map of Marty Moose's "town" - Little Ditch - which is situated between Big Ditch and Long Ditch. The town's locations consist of Creepy Willow, Thorny Thicket, and Round the Bend; and we shouldn't forget Foggy Forest and Right Pond and Left Pond. The map will guide readers as well as Marty Moose on this adventurous romp to deliver the mail.
The author of this frisky romp artfully uses word phrases and name designing that adds a delightful imagining of the frolics and characters - whimpering whiskers and Ravenous Rascals, Baffling Blackberries, etc. Such delights!
In spite of Perilous Postcards and Horrifying Hairballs, Marty Moose gets through the mail route and delivers his bag of mail. Marty returns home and readers await his next venture.
A delightful chapter book that will delight young readers.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
The book opens to a map of Marty Moose's "town" - Little Ditch - which is situated between Big Ditch and Long Ditch. The town's locations consist of Creepy Willow, Thorny Thicket, and Round the Bend; and we shouldn't forget Foggy Forest and Right Pond and Left Pond. The map will guide readers as well as Marty Moose on this adventurous romp to deliver the mail.
The author of this frisky romp artfully uses word phrases and name designing that adds a delightful imagining of the frolics and characters - whimpering whiskers and Ravenous Rascals, Baffling Blackberries, etc. Such delights!
In spite of Perilous Postcards and Horrifying Hairballs, Marty Moose gets through the mail route and delivers his bag of mail. Marty returns home and readers await his next venture.
A delightful chapter book that will delight young readers.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
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.
March 27, 2026
SO in love with this story. The naughtiness is hilarious, the message is wonderful, resilience, with plot twists and fun. There is always that friend that temps us to do things one way but it's good to recognize what the right path is. Someone jealous pranks Marty on his first day when he wants to do his best, but he does not quit with honesty and resilience. Amazing illustrations, great format.
(I made a miniature diorama in paper inspired by this book check out my Sunday blog post March 29 for it) www.thevioletwest.com/blog
(I made a miniature diorama in paper inspired by this book check out my Sunday blog post March 29 for it) www.thevioletwest.com/blog
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.
March 15, 2026
Poor Marty Moose, a small rodent with a confusing surname, has a rough first day as a “mailmouse.” Lost in a rabbit warren he picks up a friendly, if often annoying, companion and things just get more difficult as the day goes on.
Powell’s story of a postal delivery mouse is a marvelously ridiculous tale of slapstick comedy, silly expletives (STARTLED STAMPS!, Ooooh, exciting envelopes!) and gross-out jokes. It’s wittily illustrated, and sure to delight her young audience.
Powell’s story of a postal delivery mouse is a marvelously ridiculous tale of slapstick comedy, silly expletives (STARTLED STAMPS!, Ooooh, exciting envelopes!) and gross-out jokes. It’s wittily illustrated, and sure to delight her young audience.
April 27, 2026
I was excited to read this book based on a summary I read that said it was a book about learning that just because you are small, doesn't mean you can't be brave. And, yes, that line is used several times in the book, but really it is a silly story for young readers beginning to look for more of a challenge. It is filled with onomatopoeia and alliteration and is reminiscent of the Geronimo Stilton series. Good recommendation for readers who begrudgingly are being pushed beyond Dog Man. etc.
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.
April 12, 2026
I think I'm missing something here. I didn't really care for this book. There are parts that are silly, but nothing was super LOL for me. The pages are so cluttered and some are truly hard to read. Putting black text on dark grey pages is a truly wild choice. This book is cutesy and buzzy and will surely find an audience, but I was not really captivated by it.
Read
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.
February 18, 2026
This is an early chapter book full of bright, fun images of a postal worker mouse on his first day of the job. The day goes quite of kilter with many mishaps and adventures. Super funny and great humor. Kids will enjoy this one. The writing is at a 3rd grade level I'd say.
March 26, 2026
This was a delightful book and great illustrations! Marty Moose has quite the first day of delivering mail. He encounters many animal friends with Nibbles, a bunny, accompanying him along the way. Kids will love this book!
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 12, 2026
The pacing was just a bit too frenetic for me, but kids will really enjoy this madcap adventure featuring postal pranks.
June 23, 2026
A cute little illustrated early chapter book. It was a fun read about Marty Moose (mouse) and the adventures of his first day on the job as a mail mouse.
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
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews