The Star Mouse

"The Star Mouse" by Fredric Brown is an exciting science fiction story from the 1940s centered on Mitkey, a mouse sent on a space adventure by Professor Oberburger. The story looks at invention, relationships, and discovering the secrets of space, highlighting the funny and touching sides of the bond between people and animals. Professor Oberburger builds a rocket for Mitkey's trip to the moon, hoping the mouse can gather useful information. However, a mix-up sends the rocket to an asteroid called Prxl, where Mitkey meets tiny creatures who make him smarter. Mixing his new knowledge with his old life, Mitkey thinks about helping other mice become smarter, too, so they can live alongside humans. The story ends with Mitkey choosing to go back to his simple life as a mouse, showing that being happy means knowing who you are.