ALA Booklist (Tue Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

In the second installment of this rollicking mystery series, rat brothers d polar opposites ederick and Ishbu spring into action when a friend from their past returns and implores them to find her missing scientist father. Following clues that lead them on an international trek from San Francisco to Scotland to the pinnacle of the Swiss Alps d into one close call and dangerous scrape after another e duo use their bravery, some newly acquired skills, and even a bit of book learning to rescue the scientist and elude their arch nemesis, the Big Cheese. Cox's memorable animal characters and action-packed globe-trotting will delight fans of the previous title and newcomers alike.

Horn Book (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

Rat brothers Frederick and Ishbu, who spend most of their time as classroom pets, are off on another adventure, this time in search of their friend Natasha's missing father. Frederick's store of useful facts comes in handy for solving the mystery. Though the story is again all over the place, the animal adventure aspect will satisfy the rats' fans.

Kirkus Reviews

Following beautiful, cinnamon-scented Natasha, adventurous Frederick and his food-loving brother, Ishbu, leave their comfortable classroom cage and travel through Scotland and northern Europe to rescue her father, Professor Ratinsky, from the clutches of the nefarious Big Cheese. As readers of The Mystery of the Burmese Bandicoot (2007) already know, these are no ordinary fifth-grade rats. Ishbu is loyal and determined, and Frederick can read. His inventive mind and extensive knowledge of geography make it possible for all four of them to escape treacherous show mouse Mo-mo, rat-terrier henchmen Snip and Snarl, and the blind possum Big Cheese himself. The story moves quickly, helped by cliffhanging chapter endings, but the author (a former teacher) packs in interesting incidental information and intriguing new vocabulary. An afterword offers more detail about topics as varied as show mice, mousetrap catapults and the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade. A sequel that can stand alone, this lively adventure will appeal to able middle-grade readers who like to learn as much as Frederick does. (Fantasy. 8-12)

School Library Journal (Sun Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

Gr 4-5 When their friend Natasha's father gets kidnapped, Frederick and Ishbu, two rats, set out to figure out who took Professor Ratinsky and why. Things take a turn for the worse when Natasha is captured as well. With the help of the A.B.O.B. (Ancient Brotherhood of Badgers), these two detectives discover that the "Big Cheese" has abducted their friends in order to take over the world and kill all humans. Frederick and Ishbu travel to Europe to track down Tasty Tails Pet Food Company (Big Cheese's factory) in the Alps and try to stop him before life as they know it is gone forever. This fast-paced story has lovable characters, humor, and unique plot twists. The author also does a great job of integrating facts about the history and cultures of the places the rats visit without intruding on the story. Young readers will enjoy this high-flying, mountain-climbing adventure. Kira Moody, Hunter Public Library, West Valley City, UT