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Fergus and Zeke #2
Fergus and Zeke at the Science Fair
Charming classroom pets invert expectations with a clever science project that puts a student through her paces.
Fergus and Zeke love being the class pets in Miss Maxwell's classroom, and they do everything the students do -- listening at storytime, painting masterpieces during art class, and keeping their own special journals. But when it's time for the school science fair, the mice aren't sure just how to get involved. Lucy wants to time them as they run through a maze, but they want to do an experiment, not be an experiment. Then Zeke comes up with a great idea: since Lucy is training animals for her experiment, maybe he and Fergus can do the same thing! Unfortunately, the only animals available are the students themselves. Can Fergus and Zeke turn the tables and train Lucy in time for the science fair?
Fergus and Zeke love being the class pets in Miss Maxwell's classroom, and they do everything the students do -- listening at storytime, painting masterpieces during art class, and keeping their own special journals. But when it's time for the school science fair, the mice aren't sure just how to get involved. Lucy wants to time them as they run through a maze, but they want to do an experiment, not be an experiment. Then Zeke comes up with a great idea: since Lucy is training animals for her experiment, maybe he and Fergus can do the same thing! Unfortunately, the only animals available are the students themselves. Can Fergus and Zeke turn the tables and train Lucy in time for the science fair?
48 pages, Library Binding
Published August 1, 2022
About the author
Kate Messner
154 books1,733 followersKate Messner is an award-winning author, TED 2012 speaker, and former middle school English teacher. Her books for kids include THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z.,SUGAR AND ICE, and EYE OF THE STORM (Walker/Bloomsbury Dec. 2010) the MARTY MCGUIRE series (Scholastic), SEA MONSTER'S FIRST DAY, and OVER AND UNDER THE SNOW (Chronicle, Books). Kate also wrote SPITFIRE and CHAMPLAIN AND THE SILENT ONE, both Lake Champlain historical novels published by North Country Books.
Kate lives with her family on Lake Champlain, where she loves to read, write, hike, swing on birch trees, and eat chocolate. She also hangs out in various places online.
Visit Kate's website: http://www.katemessner.com
Find Kate on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/KateMessner
...or follow her on Twitter - @katemessner
Kate lives with her family on Lake Champlain, where she loves to read, write, hike, swing on birch trees, and eat chocolate. She also hangs out in various places online.
Visit Kate's website: http://www.katemessner.com
Find Kate on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/KateMessner
...or follow her on Twitter - @katemessner
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 8, 2018
This was a very cute book and I really enjoyed it. The illustrations are adorable and the story was entertaining and gave a nice little message. The book has 4 chapters and it is less then 50 pages, so I think it is the perfect length for early elementary age kids who are just starting to read short chapter books. I really liked the story and the inclusion of the animals made it a really fun book.
Thank you to the publisher, Candlewick Press, for sending me a review copy of this book.
Thank you to the publisher, Candlewick Press, for sending me a review copy of this book.
January 29, 2019
Fergus and Zeke enjoy being classroom pets. They like being able to learn right along with the children. But when the science fair comes along, they want to participate, but aren't sure how they can. All the other children's projects don't really work for them. Until Lucy decides to train the mice to run a maze. Fergus and Zeke decide that the best way for them to participate is to train Lucy. But children don't seem to be very easy to train, and there isn't much time left. Can they get Lucy trained before the science fair? I enjoyed reading about Fergus and Zeke's efforts to come up with a science fair project, most of which go awry. It's also entertaining to read about Lucy's bafflement when the mice stop doing what she 'trained' them to do. These clever mice are bound to make young readers smile with their antics. And there's some fun science in the book to boot.
November 14, 2019
After reading chapter one, I thought Fergus and Zeke couldn't go to the science fair, but they did. My favorite quote in the book is from Zeke: "I don't want to BE an experiment, but I want to DO an experiment." I was surprised when Zeke said that they will train Lucy instead of Lucy training them to run the maze. Overall, it's a very funny book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2020
How would you feel if your house was made of glass, you were constantly watched, and were expected to do things just because you were told to? Imagine a world where mice could understand humans but humans couldn’t understand mice-- that's the world in this book, Fergus and Zeke At the Science Fair. It is a good book because the author takes the point of view that all animals, not just mice, should not be used in experiments. The author implies that experiments that use plants, rocks, space, and such are a better and more reliable option.
The main characters are Fergus and Zeke, the class' pet mice. Fergus and Zeke are best friends. Fergus is super nice and doesn't mind getting pushed around. On the other hand, Zeke, unlike Fergus, minds if he's pushed around. Zeke is my favorite character because I would feel that way too. They live happily in a glass cage in a contemporary, American, suburban classroom doing the same things the students do: when it's art time, they paint masterpieces, and when it's story time, they listen. However, when the elementary school has its science fair, one student plans to use them for her experiment! Zeke doesn't want to be in the experiment and hides in his "mad spot." The book shows that humans are animals too and it turns the tables on the student! Animal experiments go awry!
I recommend this book for animal lovers ages 5-8 because the words are understandable for early elementary readers. This book reminds us that we all live in glass houses and have a lot to learn about ourselves and others.
Review by Ruth M., age 7, Southern Connecticut Mensa
The main characters are Fergus and Zeke, the class' pet mice. Fergus and Zeke are best friends. Fergus is super nice and doesn't mind getting pushed around. On the other hand, Zeke, unlike Fergus, minds if he's pushed around. Zeke is my favorite character because I would feel that way too. They live happily in a glass cage in a contemporary, American, suburban classroom doing the same things the students do: when it's art time, they paint masterpieces, and when it's story time, they listen. However, when the elementary school has its science fair, one student plans to use them for her experiment! Zeke doesn't want to be in the experiment and hides in his "mad spot." The book shows that humans are animals too and it turns the tables on the student! Animal experiments go awry!
I recommend this book for animal lovers ages 5-8 because the words are understandable for early elementary readers. This book reminds us that we all live in glass houses and have a lot to learn about ourselves and others.
Review by Ruth M., age 7, Southern Connecticut Mensa
December 14, 2018
The classroom is getting ready for the science fair and Fergus and Zeke want to have their own project. Everything they try fails. But then Lucy starts using them for her maze project, and the mice decide to use Lucy for their project. Can the two mice get Lucy trained in time for the fair?
Fergus and Zeke set up a great learned behavior experiment, though little readers will have no clue what that is. (Though you could easily explain it using this book.) I found it funny that they flipped the experiment on Lucy, and it wasn't too far fetched. How many pet owners have been "trained" by their own animals in similar ways? Are the animals up to something? Hmmm. ;) Before they decide to do their science fair project with Lucy, the two mice try and fail with several other experiments. I like that the book shows has them learn from the setbacks, not give up, but keep trying. Hand this to animal lovers and kids getting ready to see or participate in their first science fair.
Fergus and Zeke set up a great learned behavior experiment, though little readers will have no clue what that is. (Though you could easily explain it using this book.) I found it funny that they flipped the experiment on Lucy, and it wasn't too far fetched. How many pet owners have been "trained" by their own animals in similar ways? Are the animals up to something? Hmmm. ;) Before they decide to do their science fair project with Lucy, the two mice try and fail with several other experiments. I like that the book shows has them learn from the setbacks, not give up, but keep trying. Hand this to animal lovers and kids getting ready to see or participate in their first science fair.
October 4, 2018
I'll admit I didn't realize how "young" a children's book this was when it caught my attention, but that's okay.
It's a delightful story. Four easy chapters, the idea of coming up with ideas, cooperating with friends, learning by experimentation, and a couple moments of humor where I honest-to-goodness laughed out loud.
Plus, as a bonus, the pages of the hardback have that "falling in love with reading early" scent. I'd certainly read this with or pass it on to a child.
___________
I received a complimentary copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program for an honest review.
It's a delightful story. Four easy chapters, the idea of coming up with ideas, cooperating with friends, learning by experimentation, and a couple moments of humor where I honest-to-goodness laughed out loud.
Plus, as a bonus, the pages of the hardback have that "falling in love with reading early" scent. I'd certainly read this with or pass it on to a child.
___________
I received a complimentary copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program for an honest review.
September 11, 2018
This installment of Fergus and Zeke brings the return of the two mice who met on a school field trip. Now, they are classroom pets during science fair. The technical vocabulary that goes with the experiments ("erosion demonstration") may be challenging for some readers, though the colorful pencil illustrations provide useful context.
The gem of the story is how Fergus and Zeke manage to run their own experiment in classical conditioning.
A solid selection for readers almost ready for chapter books.
I was lent an ARC; this is my honest review.
The gem of the story is how Fergus and Zeke manage to run their own experiment in classical conditioning.
A solid selection for readers almost ready for chapter books.
I was lent an ARC; this is my honest review.
November 7, 2018
Fergus and Zeke are back and still happy to be the class pets. Everyone is getting ready for the Science Fair but they can't think of an experiment. They try several but they don't work out - they eat the seeds; they miss with the water (erosion test).
Lucy builds a maze and wants them to run it. They do so right away and receive their treats. They decide to conduct their own experiment and won't run unless Lucy is cheering. She figures it out and they all have successful experiments.
2nd - 3rd grade readers
Easy text to follow.
Lucy builds a maze and wants them to run it. They do so right away and receive their treats. They decide to conduct their own experiment and won't run unless Lucy is cheering. She figures it out and they all have successful experiments.
2nd - 3rd grade readers
Easy text to follow.
August 30, 2019
This was adorable, I like Fergus and Zeke, they are really cute mice, and I liked the kids too.
The plot was good and I like how the story played out in the end.
The illustrations were simple and yet good. Not too distracting making it a good first chapter book for kids.
I would definitely recommend this book to kids.
The plot was good and I like how the story played out in the end.
The illustrations were simple and yet good. Not too distracting making it a good first chapter book for kids.
I would definitely recommend this book to kids.
October 28, 2018
I really love this series. It is a fantastic book for kids who are beginning to get more confidence in their reading skills, but may not be ready for a long text. I can see fans of Charlie and Mouse loving this series.
January 21, 2019
Fergus and Zeke want to be part of the upcoming science fair, but are struggling to find a project that suits them. When Lucy decides to train them to run through a maze, they decide to train her to cheer for them.
July 27, 2021
This is the second installment in the Fergus and Zeke series and I loved it even more than the first. Fergus and Zeke want to take part in their class's science fair, but finding the perfect experiment to showcase will take some creative thinking.
September 8, 2018
Love how the mice train the girl!!
October 27, 2018
It will make kids smile to think of how the mice trained the students at the science fair, and not the other way around.
December 17, 2018
Very cute early chapter book about students participating in the class science fair and two clever classroom mice who come up with a project of their own.
January 22, 2019
Picture Book
March 13, 2019
Such a cute story! All the kids in the class work on a project for the science fair. Fergus and Zeke want to have an experiment to so they decide to train Lucy to cheer for them.
March 30, 2019
Cute beginning chaper book for those just out of easy readers. funny with nice illustrations.
June 17, 2019
Please see my review, along with teaching ideas at Reading Rumpus: https://www.readingrumpus.com/2019/06...
June 20, 2019
Fun easy reader with cross content connections.
February 10, 2021
4 stars for this emergent reader
May 30, 2021
I'm really loving this series, and think kids will love it too. Who doesn't love a story about two cute, fun loving, and intelligent mice?
June 17, 2021
That was adorable! I love how the mice "train" Lucy while she is training them!
January 25, 2022
Super adorable how the mice think they’re training the girl who is using them for her science fair project!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2026
THIS IS SO FUNNY HELPPPP 😭😭😭 I KNEW THIS WOULD MAKE ME LAUGH
January 13, 2019
1/23/2019 ~ I loved the team work of the two mice. I also appreciated the flip as the mice wanted to DO and experiment rather than BE an experiment.
Perfect for readers transitioning from the Early Reader format (less than 40 pages, 2-6 lines per page) to Junior Fiction format (appx. 5000 words, 18 pt font, illus on every page). This could also work as a very short chapter book read aloud with primary and early intermediate teachers who are setting their students up for successful science fair projects.
Award:
https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2...
Perfect for readers transitioning from the Early Reader format (less than 40 pages, 2-6 lines per page) to Junior Fiction format (appx. 5000 words, 18 pt font, illus on every page). This could also work as a very short chapter book read aloud with primary and early intermediate teachers who are setting their students up for successful science fair projects.
Award:
https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2...
October 7, 2018
Fergus and Zeke at the Science Fair
Author: Kate Messner
Illustrator: Heather Ross
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
We have two corgis (plural corgis is a cacophony of corgis) and I have definitely been well trained by them. Their very favorite game is to shove one of their toys underneath a chair or sofa and then piteously whimper until I retrieve it. They never get tired of this game - although frankly I am very tired. So, yes, animals can easily train their humans. I just thought the whole premise seemed believable. I’m sure that there are many symbiotic behaviors between humans and animals. The cat has to lick my hand and then I turn on the water. One of the dogs licks his lips and then has to point at his food before he is fed. The other likes to play a game where he paws or noses whichever hand has food. The cat stands on her two back paws and has to nudge her food storage container and then she is fed.
Anyway, the premise is believable and simply portrayed. There was nothing complicated going on between the mice and the girl. I think this book is a very well executed early chapters reading book. There is a simple plot and most kids will be able to anticipate the ending. This is great practice for early learners. I also loved the non-fearful use of scientific terms. Don’t be afraid to put big or scary words in a book! Kids love this and will feel so amazing.
The pictures were very kid-friendly and colorful. The characters all had wide open, friendly faces. They are happy at their school and willing to try new things because they are in a trusting, loving classroom. This is a wonderful model for kids and teachers. Yes teachers, you are responsible for the atmosphere in your class.
One last note is on the end papers. They were done in a gorgeous purple and white. I just thought they added a richness to the book.
This is the second Fergus and Zeke book. It’s an engaging early chapter book.
Author: Kate Messner
Illustrator: Heather Ross
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
We have two corgis (plural corgis is a cacophony of corgis) and I have definitely been well trained by them. Their very favorite game is to shove one of their toys underneath a chair or sofa and then piteously whimper until I retrieve it. They never get tired of this game - although frankly I am very tired. So, yes, animals can easily train their humans. I just thought the whole premise seemed believable. I’m sure that there are many symbiotic behaviors between humans and animals. The cat has to lick my hand and then I turn on the water. One of the dogs licks his lips and then has to point at his food before he is fed. The other likes to play a game where he paws or noses whichever hand has food. The cat stands on her two back paws and has to nudge her food storage container and then she is fed.
Anyway, the premise is believable and simply portrayed. There was nothing complicated going on between the mice and the girl. I think this book is a very well executed early chapters reading book. There is a simple plot and most kids will be able to anticipate the ending. This is great practice for early learners. I also loved the non-fearful use of scientific terms. Don’t be afraid to put big or scary words in a book! Kids love this and will feel so amazing.
The pictures were very kid-friendly and colorful. The characters all had wide open, friendly faces. They are happy at their school and willing to try new things because they are in a trusting, loving classroom. This is a wonderful model for kids and teachers. Yes teachers, you are responsible for the atmosphere in your class.
One last note is on the end papers. They were done in a gorgeous purple and white. I just thought they added a richness to the book.
This is the second Fergus and Zeke book. It’s an engaging early chapter book.
Read
November 24, 2018Funny.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews