The Girl Who Made a Mouse from Her Grandfather’s Whiskers

A child’s perspective creates both suspense and whimsy in this dream-like, far-future science fiction novella from Gordon (One Bronze Knuckle). The young protagonist, Anny, lives in the village of Tsedt with her family. She spends her days making toy mice out of bits of discarded fluff and bonding with her grandfather, who recently arrived in town with his loyal caretaker robot, Osker. Her peaceful life is upended, however, when two strangers and a sentient robot called an Amau visit from Harbor, the mysterious nearby city, and ominously invite older village children to return with them for “well-being and learning.” When Anny’s older sister, Leeza, is called to Harbor, her parents follow, but Anny and her grandfather retreat to the family farm. Eventually, however, the city people track them down and take Anny to participate in a series of mysterious experiments. As Anny struggles to escape and reunite with her loved ones, she discovers unexpected powers within herself. Anny’s sweet narration keeps the creepier worldbuilding elements from getting too dark, and her innocent confusion adds to the sense of mystery, though some readers may grow frustrated with the drawn-out ambiguity. Still, anyone looking for fascinating cyberpunk told with all the comfort of a children’s classic will be delighted. (Mar.)