Just Like You [Hardcover]

Jan Fearnley (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

On their way home, Little Mouse and his mother see how other animal mothers love their babies. But what can Mama Mouse, being so small, do for Little Mouse? An endearing story that captures the bond between parents and children. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

As the sun begins to set one night, Little Mouse and his mama make their way home, past rabbits and frogs and foxes, all settling down for the night. Each parent has a promise for his or her baby. Mama Bird will "fly across the skies, as high as the clouds, to find the finest food" for her chicks. Papa Fox, playing with his cubs, promises to "run as far and as fast as ever I can and be clever and quick and cunning to keep you safe from harm." As they pass each sleepy family, Little Mouse wonders at how special the babies must be to warrant this kind of love from their parents. By the time he and his mama reach home, he has a big question for her. "Mama, what can you do for me? You're only a little mouse. You can't fly, or jump high, or dig or dive.... Am I not as special as those other babies, then?" His mother's answer is as reassuring and unique as any mother's would be, to the immense satisfaction of every young reader.

As in Mr. Wolf's Pancakes, Jan Fearnley invites her young readers into an imaginary world and encourages them to linger. This tale of love is saved from sugar overload by Little Mouse's realistically self-centered view, and with the charming depictions of their home, decorated with scavenged paintbrushes, matchboxes, coins, and hard candies. (Ages 4 to 8)--Emilie Coulter

From School Library Journal

PreS-K-As Little Mouse and his mother walk home, they pass five other animal groups all snuggling down at the end of the day. In glowing, grandiose terms, the parents promise to protect and provide for their young, be it to fly high or dig deep. Little Mouse thinks hard about how special these babies must be and while Mama reassures him, "Just like you," readers can sense his concern. While brushing his teeth he asks, "Mama, what can you do for me? You're only a little mouse.-Am I not as special as those other babies, then?" Mama's sincere response lends a steady practicality to this book: she will not only read to him and play, feed, hug, and make him laugh, but she'll also be cross when he is naughty. And, of course, she will love him always. Rather than focus solely on the exuberant grandness of what a parent may do for a child, this book reminds readers of the daily expressions of unconditional love that make their relationship so unique. Pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations support all aspects of this book with joyful bursts of energy couched in an all-pervasive soothing calmness. The natural environments are warm and detailed with touches of humor throughout. All of the characters, even the seals and frogs, look cozy enough to cuddle. Readers will especially be drawn to Mama Mouse, who is huggably plump and convincing in her love for her child.-Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (March 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763613223
• ISBN-13: 978-0763613228
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #55,352 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #90 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > Multigenerational

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A lovely simple book., December 18, 2004

By 

Kelly Bules (Covington, LA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Just Like You (Paperback)

I bought this book a few months ago for my 4 year old. It is so very sweet, that I have trouble getting through it without choking up. It helps send the message that each child is so very special - in his mother's eyes. This is a book that helps me convey to my son the way I feel about him - in story form.

The illustrations are also very nice and match the tone of the story perfectly. We like to read this at bedtime since it's such a calming little book. I look forward to reading this with my almost 2 year old as well.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Children's Book, June 24, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Just Like You (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful and charming story with beautiful illustrations. My 3 year old son asks me to read this to him over and over. It's a bedtime favorite.