In the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Mr. Popli (serious mouse mayor of Garbage Island) and fellow rodent Archibald Shrew (a reckless inventor) rarely see eye to eye. When their island falls apart, they must weather storms, predators, and misunderstandings to survive. Koehler's first novel is full of funny dialogue, and his black-and-white illustrations help readers understand the scope of this tiny, isolated world.

In this series opener, a mouse and a shrew find themselves unlikely allies as they unite to save Garbage Island.Part of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the floating debris of Garbage Island hosts a community of assorted small animals. Under the leadership of Mr. Popli, a pragmatic mouse, Garbage Island's citizens co-exist peacefully—except for risk-taking inventor Archie Shrew, who routinely puts his life and those of others in danger. After a disastrous episode with his latest invention, Archie's barred from inventing for three months or faces banishment. Unable to control himself, Archie invents a telescope through which he spies archenemy Colubra, a massive snake, with an egg—which he secretly rescues from her lair. When Mr. Popli's houseboat is severed from Garbage Island, he and Archie are set adrift with the mysterious egg and together face harrowing challenges including a fierce storm, an attacking swordfish, an island of voracious spiders, a marauding shark, and the unexpected hatching of that egg. Returning at last to Garbage Island, they confront their greatest challenge. The clever pairing of opposites adds humor, making the gradual emergence of friendship between steadfast Mr. Popli and flamboyant Archie all the sweeter. Dramatic black-and-white illustrations highlight key action. Exciting, fast-paced adventure and unexpected friendship in a "trashy" venue. (Animal fantasy. 8-12)

Gr 3-5 Mayor Popli, a mouse, and Archibald Shrew, a shrew, do not get along. Archi is an inventor who is always making a mess, much to Popli's dismay. One day, Garbage Island, their home on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, is suddenly split apart and the two are sent on a perilous adventure aboard Popli's houseboat. They meet strange new creatures along the way, including snakes, bugs, spiders, and rats. Among fast-paced action and danger, the mouse and shrew begin to work through their differences and learn more about themselves and each other. Black-and-white illustrations help bring the story to life. A brief author's note explains his inspiration for Garbage Island and the facts of the very real floating garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean. VERDICT This entertaining animal adventure stands out from similar fare because of its strong characters and an underlying message of environmental awareness. Maeve Dodds, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC