Mouse in space by Geronimo Stilton

Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9780545481915.
Recommended. This popular series just keeps on giving enjoyment to its loyal band of readers who never tire of the adventures of Geronimo Stilton. Mouse in space is the 52nd book in the series and I'll have students from Years 2-5 lined up to read it.
Geronimo, the mild mannered, scaredy mouse editor of the Rodent's Gazette is woken from a dream by intruders which he scares off with the nearest weapon, his slipper. Whilst he discovers nothing has been taken he is informed by his grandfather that there has been 'a ton of robberies in the city' the same night. In an effort to protect himself, and get some sleep, after listening to his sister Thea, he has an anti-theft device installed by Safe Squeak represented by the mysterious Suzy Slyrat.
After discovering a secret message from his friend and secret agent Kornelius, Geronimo is delivered to M.I.S.S.O. headquarters, where, after 32 hours of intensive space training, he joins his friend and the beautiful agent 00V on the Ratollo 6 as they are shot into space. Their mission is to disable the satellite which the Dr Wicked Whiskers and daughter Suzy Slyrat are using, via the anti-theft devices, installed across Mouse City, to control all communications. If they do not succeed the city will need to pay a mountain of gold.
The rollicking adventure told by Geronimo is full of humour and rodent references. The colourful illustrations are a feature giving the reader extra information, whilst supporting the text. For example the double page spread showing M.I.S.S.O secret headquarters includes the laundry room complete with mice in underwear waiting for the washing to dry. The characteristic use of a variety of coloured fonts to highlight words and phrases focuses the reader's attention on the text. What an entertaining way to bring attention to grammar and vocabulary in any classroom!
Sue Keane