The Great Christmas Kidnapping Caper Book

"Merciless Marvin the Magnificent" is back! (Which means, of course, that Fats the Fuse and Raymond the Rat are along for the ride.)

When Marvin makes his way into Macy's department store, he thinks he's discovered the best deal a mouse could wish for. But no sooner has he gathered his gang – and then gotten them cozily settled into a dollhouse in the toy department – than Macy's Santa goes missing.

The world outside is cold and dangerous. But Marvin and his pals will risk whatever they must to crack the crime, rescue Santa, and save Christmas!

Bonus Feature: "A Visit from St. Nicholas" as read by Merciless Marvin himself!

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3- Jean Van Leeuwen's clever story (Dial, 1975) begins when Marvin stakes out a new home in Macy's department store. It has everything a mouse needs-a toy department with doll houses, a mattress section with bedding, TVs, and a deli with many varieties of cheeses. Marvin persuades his friends, Raymond and Fats, to join him. The three mice befriend the store's Santa Claus, who leaves food for them. One day Santa goes missing and the mice are determined to crack the case. Through several failed plans, Marvin learns the value of teamwork and discovers the true spirit of Christmas. The Jazzy bits of Christmas carols between scenes set the mood. The full-cast narration is brilliant, making each character unique and full of life, from the scheming Marvin to the intellectual Raymond and the soulful Fats. A delightful addition to audiobook collections.-Cynthia Grabke, Halifax Elementary School, MA