A MOUSE SO SMALL
Written by: Angela McAllister
Illustrated by: Caroline Pedler
Published by: Little Tiger Press 2015
Ages: 3 – 6 years
Theme: size, friendship, caring
Opening Lines: A cold wind rustled through the wood. “Autumn is nearly over,” Bear told Millie Mouse. “It’s time for my long winter sleep.” Millie gave Bear a hug. His tummy rumbled. “Are you hungry?” she asked.
Synopsis: It’s time for Bear to go to sleep for the winter, and even though he’s hungry, he doesn’t have time to eat first. His best friend, Molly, wants to help him and decides to gather food for him — a task that proves to be very tricky for a small mouse! She might be small but she has a BIG heart.
Why I like this: Caroline’s soft coloured pencil and watercolour illustrations are gorgeous adding a whimsical touch to an already very cute story. The story has everything, heart; right from the first page little Molly the mouse gives Bear a hug and shows concern for her big burly friend. An unlikely friendship; no matter size, shape or colour, friendship knows no bounds. The rule of three’s appearing; in Molly’s attempt to pick the blackberries, then the offers of help from three friendly critters. Her attempts to get the fruit to Bear before he takes his winter nap and there are even three blackberries. The tension builds when she loses the fruit down the hill and Molly learns it’s the thought that counts. Such an awe ending and a cover that you just have to pick up, kids will love this.
Resources/Findings: Angela McAllister is a published adapter, author (over 30 books), illustrator, and a narrator of children’s books. Some of the published credits of Angela McAllister include Blue Rabbit, Jack and Lily, Adventures of Little Wombat, and Digory and the Lost King. A link to other books you may wish to locate… https://www.jacketflap.com/angela-mcallister/8234
A great link on how to be a good friend, what to do and not do… http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&id=1636&np=286
I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view. So pop over and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Perfect southern hemisphere pick as winter approaches! I love the size juxtaposition of the berry and wee mouse on the front cover. This looks quite adorable, Diane!
Yep, winter has come to down under. It is adorable Joanna. Glad you like it.
What a charming book that is all about heart. It can be used in classrooms in so many ways. The cover certainly draws you straight to the story. It’s beautiful!
Yes I agree Pat a very useful story about friendship, helping others, and can be used in discussions of differences and bullying even. I agree it is beautiful.
Thoughtfulness. The idea that being small can’t keep you from helping others in a meaningful way. Love this book! Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I haven’t read anything by Angela McAllister before, so I’m looking forward to discovering her work!
Yeah I agree with your thoughts. Oh my! Angela has written so many great books and all look so beautiful. Do click on the link with all her books even if you just want to note them down and see if your local library has them. I’m going to check out our library and see if they have more of her work there or get them in for me. Thanks Jilanne. 🙂
Love the cover. What a cute book. Thank you for highlighting it, Diane.
Glad you love it. Your welcome Maria.
Ha! That must be the one who makes off with my black raspberries! So cute!
Hahaha…. Really! I can imagine you illustrating this. It is sooooo cute. 😉
what a wonderful story! I love tales of unlikely friendships – and small but determined heroes.
Yes, me too. And the gorgeous illustrations just make you melt. Glad you loved this one. Sue.