MICE AT CENTRE ICE Estelle Salata. Scarborough (ON), Nelson, c!984. 124pp, paper, $3.25. ISBN 0-17-602086-1. Grades 3-5. Reviewed by Jane Robinson. Volume 12 Number 5 1984 September The Montreal Forum is the setting for this lively paced adventure story of Benny the Bullet, organizer of the MHL, the Mouse Hockey League, which is the latter's counterpart to the NHL. Benny and his cohorts overcome all types of dangers, in spite of many tense moments, in their struggle to regain and keep the coveted Cheddar Cup (stolen from them years ago by the villainous Rink Rats), The on-ice playoff action reads like the commentary of an exciting, closely matched hockey game, but the real story is found in the off-ice adventures leading to the playoffs. One need not be a hockey fan to enjoy Benny's narrow escapes and daring escapades as he outsmarts the Rink Rats, outmaneuvers the ice cleaning machine and outruns the cat at the garbage dump. The author's attention to detail in description heightens the readers' interest without becoming excessive or wearisome. The writing is imaginative and successful in tailoring all situations and circumstances to fit the perspective of a mouse. Although it is a lot of reading for grade 3, the action would sustain a fairly independent reader and others at that level would enjoy the story read aloud. Some avid hockey fans might wonder at the current-ness of Salata's involvement in hockey, as she mentions only ex-player Ken Dryden and veteran Guy Lafleur (What! Nothing about the great Gretzky?) and bases the story in Montreal, home of the once great Canadiens. That aside, Mice at Centre Ice is an enjoyable, easy-to-read novel for children. Jane Robinson, Christ the King School, Winnipeg, MB.