Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell

Here is a younger tween book. I can admit only to the first five chapters before other books overcame me, but my second girl was mesmerized.

I read enough to tell that it's a book as safe as the Penderwicks. No earth-shaking theology, but a fine, safe read that kids like.

The main character is a girl named Emmy who has an "evil" nanny in charge of her after her parents start traveling because they came into a lot of money.

In her school, Emmy has a class pet she can hear. This rat has powers. The first time he bites , you can hear him. The second, you shrink, the third... well.. it gets more complicated, but let's just say you don't want to get to bite number 5 unless you wish to be a rat.

And the nanny was a victim.

My daughter assures me it all ties together in the end. She's a tough critic, so I can at least recommend this one as appealing.

Rating: 3 Vatican Flags