The Sands of Time by Michael Hoeye

This charming book is the sequel to the equally charming Time Stops for No Mouse. Hermux Tantamoq, the watchmaking mouse, is delighted to attend a new exhibit of paintings by his friend Mirrin the artist. However, the hue and cry is raised when Mirrin's paintings turn out to feature CATS! Is it art? Is it obscene? Are cats a myth, or were they truly a part of history? This question will lead Hermux and his friends on a grand adventure.

Hoeye skillfully weaves adult themes - "mixed" marriage, the meaning of art, the meaning of history, superficial people - into this book. It would be great for older children and adult readers who like childrens literature. Three stars.

whatever doesn't kill you, will only make you stranger.

Last night I saw The Dark Knight with members of my tribe. This was a followup to our having watched Batman Begins together a few years back, but that was a very different movie.

This movie is pretty bleak and I'm still thinking it over. But, for those who have seen it, here is a fascinating article on the Joker as portrayed by Heath Ledger, which made me think even more highly of the movie than I already did.

http://www.thevalve.org/go/valve/article/whatever_doesnt_kill_you_makes_you_stranger_on_heath_ledgers_joker/