A lovely story centered around a little dog called Mouse. When Tom becomes ill, Mum decides Mouse must go because Tom is too ill to fight any infections. To save Mouse Tom's twin, John, embarks on a long journey to take Mouse to Uncle David whom they hardly know. On the way he encounters challenges and interesting people.
Again L.S. Matthews brings a quality of writing to the reader that explores complex issues in a straightforward yet sensitive manner. ( )

One of my favorite 'dog' stories, and no dog dies. Two brothers plot to 'save' their dog, as one is very ill. The younger boy makes a trek across England, doing good as he travels. A slight fantasy element has the dog able to talk to the two brothers. ( )

A cute story about a young boy with a very ill brother who travels miles w/his dog to his uncle's house, whom he hopes will keep the dog until his brother gets better. Adventures along the way he saves a little girl from drowning, and saves gypsy ponies from a 'mad' scientist. Dog, children & uncle are telepathic to add to the fun. ( )

John Hawkins and his older brother Tom come up with a scheme to save their dog, Mouse from being sent to a shelter after Tom was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. John and Mouse, who can read each other's thoughts run away. Despite a naively created plan and a few unexpected, strange, and sometimes disturbing challenges, John and Mouse remain determined to reach their destination.

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8–Like Matthews's Fish (Delacorte, 2004), this is a tale about a journey of discovery and the importance of holding onto the things that matter in troubled times. John Hawkins, the narrator, and his brother, Tom, have a dog that can communicate with them psychically. When Tom becomes ill, the doctor says that the pup must go, but the boys know that Mouse is essential to Tom's recovery. To keep the canine from being sent to the pound, John and Mouse set out on a journey to find a temporary home for the dog with an uncle they haven't seen in years. Along the way, they encounter an ineffectual New Age healer and her family, a scientist who performs experiments on stolen animals, and a persecuted Roma family who help them reach their goal. Although John and Mouse encounter some disturbing situations, the childlike tone and magical elements of the narrative keep it age appropriate. Mouse is an engaging character whose wry observations of the foibles of human beings contrast with John's naïveté, and readers will be rooting for the pair to succeed in their quest. Highly enjoyable.–Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ
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