From Publishers Weekly
Hoffman ( Amazing Grace ) proves she has a few new tricks up her sleeve with this rollicking fantasy about furry phantoms. Because Carrie has asthma, the only pet she and her brother Alex are allowed to keep is Cedric, a white mouse. Alex and Carrie don't understand how Cedric does it, but he summons up the ghosts of all the animals that ever lived in their house. Suddenly their home is overrun with the spectres of rabbits, cats, dogs--even a tiger and a rhinoceros. An unexpected hero comes to the aid of the children after their tiny mouse cooks up a huge amount of trouble. Though the plot is simple, readers will enjoy the mounting tension as more and more ghosts appear, and they will eagerly anticipate the resolution of this spirited supernatural tale. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 7-11.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
Alex Brodie and his sister long for a pet, but Carrie's asthma keeps them from having one until Alex is finally allowed a white mouse in his room. ``Cedric'' is no ordinary mouse--he summons up his own grandfather and then, as the days pass, the many former animal inhabitants of the Victorian house. There are visible signs of their presence (the rabbits shred Dad's lettuce), but they can be seen only by the children, who especially love the allergy-free dogs and cats. Cedric, it develops, is the familiar of the family's new boarder, Mungo, a magician; like the sorcerer's apprentice, the mouse has instigated more than he can control, and the manifestations are about to culminate in an angry elephant (from an elephant-foot umbrella stand) when Mungo steps in. Likable characters, lively action, and a fresh take on tried-and-true themes--all make this easy chapter book from the author of Amazing Grace (1991) a winner. Illustrations not seen. (Fiction. 7-11) --
Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
