The Sands of Time

Hermux Tantamoq, a watchmaker in the bustling city of Pinchester, finds himself caught in a conspiracy when he joins an expedition to the desert. Accompanied by his friend Linka Perflinger and an eccentric chipmunk named Birch Tenthenhall, Hermux seeks to find the fabled Library of the Cat Kingdom. They face opposition from the 'Mouse Supremacists,' a group led by the villainous Horenshat, who believes that admitting cats ever existed would undermine mouse society. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with 'mouse supremacism,' which serves as a secular, metaphorical exploration of racial or ideological prejudice and historical revisionism. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing that truth cannot be buried forever. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a sense of cozy mystery and intellectual curiosity, building into a high-stakes adventure. It maintains a sophisticated, slightly noir tone throughout, ending on a triumphant note of discovery and justice. IDEAL READER: A 10-year-old who loves detailed world-building and mystery, particularly one who feels like an outsider because they prefer facts over popular opinion. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might choose this after hearing their child express frustration that a teacher or peer is 'leaving out the truth' or after noticing the child is interested in how history is written. PARENT PREP: The book is safe for cold reading, though parents may want to discuss the term 'supremacist' if the child is unfamiliar with the political weight of the word. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers will enjoy the animal gadgets and desert survival, while older readers will catch the biting satire regarding bureaucracy and social engineering. DIFFERENTIATOR: It avoids the typical 'talking animal' tropes by creating a fully realized, adult-like society with art galleries, complex politics, and existential questions.