Genres
In Mouse Guard, mice struggle to live safely and prosper among all of the world's harsh conditions and predators. Thus the Mouse Guard was formed. They are not simply soldiers that fight off intruders; rather, they are guides for commonmice looking to journey without confrontation from one hidden mouse village to another. The Guard patrol borders, find safeways and paths through dangerous territories and treacherous terrain, watch weather patterns, and keep the mouse territories free of predatory infestation. They do so with fearless dedication so that they might not just exist, but truly live.

Mouse Guard: Fall 1152
When guardsmice Saxon, Kenzie, & Lieam are dispatched to find a missing merchant mouse that never arrived at his destination, they stumble onto much more than they had bargained for... intrigue, betrayal, and a deadly, traitorous plot to overthrow the stronghold of Lockhaven.

Mouse Guard: Winter 1152
It is the Winter of 1152. It is a harsh winter, a cold and icy season. And the Guard face a food and supply shortage that threatens the lives of many throughout the land. Saxon, Kenzie, Lieam, and Sadie, led by Celanawe, traverse the snow-blanketed territories seeking aid and acting as diplomats to improve relations between the mouse cities and the Guard.  This is a winter not every Guard may survive.

“Once again, David Petersen forges a gripping tale that transports the reader directly into the lives of his characters.”

— Karen O’Brien, Comics Buyer’s Guide #1637

“Petersen's full-color comics so deftly capture the essence of the mouse world and its inhabitants that they'll hook readers 10 and older. The artist's attention to detail in his animal characters and their emotions, and the intriguing perspectives in the woodland setting are breathtaking.”

— Deborah Abbott, Chicago Sun-Times

“Petersen's art in Mouse Guard is…stunning. Lush and stippled, it's sublimely colored and profoundly beautiful.”

— The A.V. Club at The Onion

“A one-of-a-kind graphic novel… The suspenseful, action- and intrigue-packed plot is utterly absorbing, and the satisfying conclusion leaves the reader eager for the upcoming sequel, Mouse Guard: Winter 1152. Highly recommended.”

— Able Greenspan, Midwest Book Review (July 1, 2007)

“Magnificent to behold…. This masterpiece should be an instant hit with all fantasy fans…. A simply breathtaking fantasy tale, and an essential graphic novel for all [library] collections.”

— Jennifer Sweeney, KLIATT (Sept 2007)

Booklist’s Kevin King: “Petersen has crafted an involving graphic novel fantasy, populated with realistic looking mice wearing colorful capes and wielding wicked weaponry. His lush colors and vivid settings give the story a majestic quality fit for a large canvas (or, perhaps, even a movie screen), and the characters are as bold as the brush strokes…. This will probably circulate well among graphic novel fans, and may even attract readers who enjoy the Redwall books.”

— Kevin King, Booklist (Sept 1, 2007)

“A refreshing change from the ordinary, much like Jeff Smith’s Bone.”

— Geeks of Doom

“David has a winner here. Readers will delight in this creative 8x8 hardcover fantasy that is strongly recommended for all graphic novel collections for youth through adult.”

— Jeannine Wiese, Ingram’s Library Collection Suggestions (April 2007)

“These mice are fierce, dedicated fighters, and the violence their job entails is not forgotten…. Petersen's character designs are enormously appealing, and the book is hard to put down for that reason. The story is suitable for all ages, and kids in particular should enjoy this adventure.”

Publishers Weekly (April 2007)

Mouse Guard would be a standout in any genre, and in any medium.”

Monte Williams, PopMatters.com

“An anthropomorphized adventure that will appeal to fans of "Bone” and "The Secret of NIMH,” Mouse Guard is a visually dazzling book…”

Matthew Price, The Oklahoman

“Sumptuously illustrated and smartly scripted by David Petersen, this comic evokes children's picture books…[but] has enough intelligence to keep adult eyes open…. His drawings—elegantly etched works brought to life with an autumnal palette—often left my eyes wide open.”

- Ed Hall, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Words and Pictures,” June 10, 2006

Mouse Guard is truly a rare surprise.”

-- Casey Cosker, Static Multimedia, www.staticmultimedia.com

One of the best new comics of this year.”

-- David Bird, www.paperbackreader.com

“This book looks amazing. It is a creative concept coupled with great art and amazing colors. It is truly a book that the whole family could pick up and enjoy. After I read the preview, I couldn't get out of head that I was reading a cross between THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE meets LORD OF THE RINGS meets ROBIN HOOD.”

-- Scott Tingley, www.Comicsintheclassroom.net

Mouse Guard is a must-have. The soft palette beautifully captures the woodland setting…it’s lovely, with expressive detail.”

-- Joanna Draper Carlson, www.ComicsWorthReading.com

“...This work is one of immense beauty and quality. I am deeply impressed here.”

-- Alex Ness, www.popthought.com

“…when I saw the cover of David Petersen's Mouse Guard: Belly of the Beast I absolutely couldn't resist…There's a beautiful richness to Petersen's art … This is one thoroughly attractive book that can't help but entice readers into wanting more.”

-- Greg McElhatton, www.icomics.com

“The book is…unequivocally amazing to look at. I don’t know if writer/artist Peterson is British, but his art has that detailed, textural quality oft-seen in British illustration and comics. It lends the proceedings a grit that belies the cuteness of the leads and brings the forest to life as a moody setting. … MOUSE GUARD is the total package, lovingly crafted on every level… Peterson fully believes in his little heroes, and he’s created their world so expertly that you’ll believe in them too. A unique and noteworthy debut…”

-- Dave Farabee, www.aintitcoolnews.com

“The art is nothing short of beautiful...Petersen is able, with just a few panels, to make us both fall in love with his characters and feel the presence of their duty. Perhaps the greatest thing about Mouse Guard is that, while its material is both safe for and appealing to children, the story and art are good enough that adults can enjoy the book just as much. To call this a family comic book would not be a stretch. Mouse Guard is truly a rare surprise.”

-- Case Cosker, www.staticmultimedia.com

“Not only is this a visually stunning piece of work, it's also filled with subtle yet strong characterization and storytelling... This is the debut of an artist-writer of real talent and promise, and comes with my highest recommendations for readers of any age.”

-- Bill Baker, Blood in the Gutters, http://www.pmkane.com/bb/

“Unexpectedly amazing! I love when a comic book comes out of left field and knocks me on my ass, … Petersen’s artwork is absolutely beautiful and his storytelling skills are precise and efficient, almost poetic in its concision. Mouse Guard is a must-read.”

-- Guy LeCharles Gonzalez, Pull List Propaganda, www.popcultureshock.com

The art is simply wonderful; [David Petersen’]s panels are large and expansive, and he uses color to give an astounding depth to the imagery…”

-- Marc Mason, www.moviepoopshot.com

What a delightful and whimsical tale!…Mouse Guard is a wonderful tale of adventure and bravery all wrapped up in a small package.”

-- Boyce McClain's Collectors' Corner #160

Ages 10+
(Contains Mild Violence)

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