Fergus and Zeke for President

Can classroom mice Fergus and Zeke work together to finish their project on American presidents—even when Zeke gets bossy?

It’s Presidents’ Day, and all the students in Miss Maxwell’s classroom are choosing their special projects. Classroom pets Fergus and Zeke want to participate, too! Zeke appoints himself president of their cage. But the power goes a bit to his head, and his “leading” and “supervising” leave Fergus to do all the work. Will these two mice be able to agree on what makes a good president—and a good friend—in time to turn in their project with the rest of the class? Humorously illustrated and sprinkled with presidential trivia, this fifth title in the delightful series is a winning candidate.The kids—and the use of historical and presidential facts—are a backdrop to the engaging storyline of Zeke’s comedically flawed (and likably relatable) self-centeredness, but the value-driven thematic inspiration is an effective motivator for Fergus’ assertiveness. The resulting combination of silliness and broad-strokes idealism creates a rounded story structure. . . A wholesome, solid story with fun characters.
—Kirkus ReviewsKate Messner is passionately curious and writes books for kids who wonder, too. A former teacher, Kate Messner has written numerous picture books, chapter books, and novels for young readers. She lives on Lake Champlain with her family.

Heather Ross is an illustrator and fabric designer. She lives in New York City and the Catskill Mountains with her husband, daughter, and dog.