Louanne Jacobs (Children's Literature)
Fans of Red Wall, Secret of NIMH, or Watership Down, will be thrilled with this book. In this, the first in a six-issue mini-series, readers are introduced to Liem, Saxon, and Kenzie, members of the Mouse Guard, as they accidentally uncover a mysterious plot to overthrow Lockhaven, the capital city of the mouse territories. Along the way they meet a grizzled old hermit-mouse who claims to be The Black Axe, nameless champion of the Mouse Guard, long thought to be merely a legend. With one of the company imprisoned by the rebel militia, the remaining Guard travel to Lockhaven to warn the citizens and the leader of the Guard, Gwendolyn, of the approaching forces. With the help of bees, the hermit, and fellow Guard member Sadie, who has returned from a parallel mission, Lockhaven is saved. But it appears that the victory is only temporary. Unrest within the mouse territories and tension toward the Guard has left the citizenry in turmoil. The series continues with Mouse Guard: Winter 1152. Striking illustrations in full and paneled styles provide mood and tone and give life and individuality to the cast of characters. 2007, Archaia Studios Press, $24.95. Ages 10 to 17.

CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices 2008)
A beautifully produced, full-color graphic novel tells a satisfying story of intrigue and adventure set in a medieval kingdom of mice. Lieam, Saxom, and Kenzie are members of the Mouse Guard. Originally soldiers that defended the kingdom against a weasel warlord, the Guard members now act as escorts and guides in the time of peace, maintaining the balance so that citizens can thrive. But the disappearance of a grain merchant begins a chain of events that leads the trio into the heart of a plot to overthrow the Guard as an unknown enemy of the kingdom makes a grasp for power. Most of the story is told through dialogue between the characters in Petersen’s intricate, elegant artwork, which is the centerpiece of the storytelling as he brings his medieval fantasy world vividly alive. CCBC Category: Fiction for Children. 2007, Archaia Studios Press, 192 pages, $24.95. Ages 9-14.

Jennifer Sweeney (KLIATT Review, September 2007 (Vol. 41, No. 5))
When a grain merchant goes missing, the anthropomorphized members of the Mouse Guard--Lieam, Saxon, and Kenzie--are asked to conduct a search for him. When the trio discovers that the merchant was a traitor, they become embroiled in a mysterious plot that threatens their entire way of life. A faction called “the Axe” (after a possibly mythological mouse called The Black Axe) has decided to take down Lockhaven, home of the Mouse Guard. When the Guard and the Axe meet, a fierce battle to protect Lockhaven ensues, as secrets--as well as heroes and traitors--are discovered. Petersen’s graphic novel is magnificent to behold. Through lush art and a natural palette, readers are transported to the mouse world, with even the smallest element shown in flawless detail. Perfectly defined perspectives expertly portray a small creature’s struggle in a very large world. Many wordless sequences vividly depict scenes of quiet importance, evincing the author’s wise economical choice of text. This masterpiece should be an instant hit with all fantasy fans, though some violence may disturb young, sensitive readers. A simply breathtaking fantasy tale, and an essential graphic novel for all collections. Category: Graphic Novels. KLIATT Codes: JSA*--Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2007, Archaia Studios Press, 192p., $24.95. Ages 12 to adult.

Alida Given (Library Media Connection, January 2008)
Fantasy readers will find this work a marvelous addition to any library's graphic novel collection as they step into the precarious world of mice-and not just ordinary mice. The reader immediately is swept up into a world of caped mice brandishing swords: the fabled Guard, protectors of all micedom. It is Petersen's artwork that captures the eye, even though there is constant action throughout the tale. All ages will enjoy delving into this mouse world, but younger readers may find they must carefully follow the individual mice by their cape color in order to organize the thread of the story in their minds. The end papers complement the story with a helpful map, giving guidance to the travels taking place in the tale. Upon conclusion readers will know the adventures must continue and will eagerly anticipate the further adventures of this brave Mouse Guard. Recommended. 2007, Archaia Studios Press, 192pp., $24.95 hc. Ages 8 to 18.