The Sands of Time is the second of four books in Michael Hoeye’s “Hermux Tantamoq Adventure” series, and contains the best story of the lot. It tells of Hermux Tantamoq, a mouse who is also a skilled watchmaker. A mysterious chipmunk appears in his shop one afternoon, and needs his help and mechanical skills to uncover the secrets of a lost civilization of cats, which is buried in a desert canyon. Unfortunately, dangerous “mouse supremacists” are determined to stop them, since their discoveries might reveal some truths about mouse history that could threaten the social order. Hoeye’s quirky and satirical sense of humor pervades the book, which is full of uproarious characters like cosmetics magnate Tucka Mertslin, who wears a dress made of live flies. ( )

kids book; need to move to my childrens library ( )