1From the opening paragraph readers will be able to describe characters in the story-their traits, motivations, and feelings--and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events. It all begins with brothers Hank and Jimmy. Hank is a responsible somewhat worried pet owner and Jimmy, an innovative engineer and scientist with a wild imagination. When Jimmy decides to send Hank's pet mouse on the Spirit of Sammy, the adventure begins. The texts illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words, creating mood and emphasizing aspects of the characters and setting. As Sammy Shine's plane takes off unexpectedly, he ends up in a whole new world. He no longer lives in the comfort of his shoebox in Hank's room. Told from the point of view of Sammy the mouse, using vivid details and figurative language, readers venture with Sammy and a group of new friends, including a mouse, an injured crow, a newt, and a shrew, who help him find and repair his plane so he can try to get back home. What starts out as sibling rivalry and a curiosity for flight turns into an animal fantasy adventure.
Curriculum Connections: Fantasy adventure, character description, actions contribute to sequence of events, Illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words, creating mood and emphasizing aspects of the characters and setting. POV of Sammy the mouse told using vivid details and figurative language