This first book deals with a family of mice who have to deal with the fact that they are on the menu for their next door neighbor, who is a snake called Seth. The smallest mouse Squeak escapes being eaten by listening and respecting his wiser parents. His other brothers and sisters ignore the advice of their parents and pay the full consequence of doing so. BUT, there are only so many family members that can be eaten, and Squeak despairs, as he knows that he will also “take the long ride through Seth, to who knows where.” In his despair he is befriended by a cat called Fleabag and a grumpy green parrot from central Africa, who devise a plan, and teach him the necessary life skills to escape the dreaded Seth, and his older brother Harry – who wants to live forever!