Mice!

Wow, what a busy start to the school year! Now we have snow on the ground, and our first snow day behind us. The two books that I have to write about this time happen to have mice as the main characters. This got me thinking about ALL of the books out there for middle school readers that have mice as their main characters. More on that in a minute...

Let's start with Bless this Mouse:
Lois Lowry is one of my all time favorite authors. I was so excited to find a new book by her in my library this summer. This is a fast read. Many of you will finish it quickly, but it is truly a funny and sweet story. Mouse Mistress Hildegarde is in charge of large family of church mice that live in Saint Bartholemew's church. She needs to lead her family to safety when the church decides to higher an exterminator, and then again during the feast of St. Francis, when the town can bring their pets to be blessed at the church (cats are a particular concern). Written with humor, this is a great read.

A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home
This book would almost qualify as a graphic novel. Henry Cole, the author and illustrator of this book, has illustrated a number of children's books, and now he turns his talent to a book for older readers. Celeste, a mouse, is being bullied by rats and the household cat. Her fortunes change with the arrival of John James Audubon and his assistant Joseph. Set in Louisiana in 1821, there are some wonderful historical references, and it is an interesting look at Mr. Audubon. Celeste turns into a rather heroic character, facing many fears, and she provides a great deal of inspiration for Joseph. This is another highly entertaining, and fast read.

Other books with mice as the main characters:

Ragweed and Poppy
The Tale of Despereax
The Mouse and the Motorcycle (Ralph S. Mouse)
Time Stops for No Mouse
Redwall Series
The Rescuers
The Secrets of Nihm Series
Tumtum and Nutmeg
The Rescuers
Stuart Little
Basil of Baker Street
*Can you think of others?*