If you delighted in the sly humor and satirical touches of The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, you'll love The Last Unicorn. Beagle’s tale follows a unicorn and her unlikely companions—a bumbling magician and a tough-talking woman—on a quest full of wit, wordplay, and gentle parody of fantasy tropes. The interplay between characters, especially Schmendrick's dry humor and the unicorn's innocence, creates a whimsical adventure that’s both funny and heartfelt.

If you were charmed by the alliance of Maurice and his educated rodents, you’ll be swept up by the community of clever rats in Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. The novel centers on Mrs. Frisby, a field mouse, who relies on the help of a secretive society of rats to save her family. The rats’ teamwork, distinct personalities, and the sense of camaraderie will feel wonderfully familiar.

If Maurice’s not-quite-noble schemes and the rats’ struggle with right and wrong appealed to you, The Tale of Despereaux will resonate. Despereaux, a small mouse with big dreams, finds himself torn between loyalty, bravery, and forgiveness. The story doesn’t shy away from exploring the grey areas of heroism and redemption, much like Maurice’s own questionable but heartfelt journey.

If you loved the sense of mission driving Maurice and his rodent friends, you’ll be hooked by Gregor the Overlander. Gregor tumbles into an underground world and joins a cast of talking animals and humans on a perilous quest to save his father. The clear objectives, steadily rising stakes, and teamwork echo the urgent, goal-oriented momentum of Maurice’s adventures.

If you appreciated how the rats (and even Maurice) grew beyond their fears and limitations, Varjak Paw is a must-read. Varjak, a sheltered cat, must venture out into a dangerous city and learn the ancient Way of his ancestors. His journey of self-discovery, bravery, and transformation will appeal to anyone who enjoys seeing animals evolve into true heroes.