Customer Reviews

Library Mouse

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Kirk, Daniel, Library Mouse, Abrams Book for Young Readers, 2007

This is a very sweet and sunny tale about a mouse named Sam that lives in a library and ventures out of his hole after the library is closed to read. Inspired by the wonderful information and stories that he absorbs, he begins to write and illustrate his own books; the first picture book is entitled: Squeak! A Mouse's Life. His books are immediately discovered by patrons and handed over to the very surprised children's librarian who after the third book appears leaves a note for Sam that praises his talent, and invites him to be the special guest at a "Meet the Author Day". On that day before the event, the shy Sam places blank books and pencils next to a box with a sign that says, "Meet the Author". The next morning, excited children gaze in the box and see themselves in Sam's little mirror; soon they are writing their own books. Delightful eye-catching illustrations capture Sam and the library setting perfectly. Sam's very appealing character is vividly portrayed as he lies on the floor and reads, looks in a mirror so he can draw himself accurately, and sneaks his completed books on bookshelves that are filled with individually distinct books. The text is in a large-sized bold font that shows up very clearly on bright white paper backgrounds, and the colorful, detailed yet clear, vibrant illustrations jump out from the pages so well this book would work well in story time programs. The librarian is always cheerful, the multicultural children clearly love their library and the story is charming. All libraries will want at least one copy of this entertaining and uplifting celebration of reading and writing.

Sam is a library mouse. He spends his days sleeping behind the children's reference books, and his nights reading. His imagination is so stirred that he desires to write books, and soon he does. It is when the children begin to discover and read Sam's books that he inspires them to write as well.

I can't make up my mind about this book. While at the outset it is a nice little story that encourages children to write, it almost feels like an agenda book more than a picture book. There isn't much story to it.

I can see great benefit to reading it to a room full of writers at a writer's conference. Or a room full of kids at the beginning of a creative writing class. But although my four children will sit through it and seem to like it, I don't see much enthusiasm from them. The read-aloud is smooth and there is nice repetition. The illustrations are colorful and entertaining (although there is one of the mouse that is disturbing to me. My kids don't seem to be bothered by it at all.) There is nothing objectionable about the book, just nothing really remarkable.

Armchair Interviews says: Heed the reviewer's comments.

Daniel Kirk's LIBRARY MOUSE is the fun story of one Sam, whose home is a little hole in the wall behind the children's reference books - perfect for a mouse who loves to read. Sam reads so much that one day he decides to write a book himself - and becomes a popular author. What will he do when his fans wish to meet him? LIBRARY MOUSE is a whimsical, fun celebration of the joys of reading and comes from an experienced children's book illustrator also capable of spinning a good yarn.

A cute little book about a mouse who lives in a library and writes books that he puts on the shelves in the library. When the librarians try to draw their mysterious author out into the open, he instead shows the children that they too can be authors.

The message seems a little forced, but my son doesn't seem to mind.

I purchased this book for my two and a half year old son about a month ago. We read this together every weekend. It is so funny because he memorizes the pages and we take turns reading to each other. We shopped at a local flea market last week, one vendor had a stuffed toy mouse and my son looked at me and said, "Is that the Library Mouse?" It was so funny. This is an excellent book that encourages kids to write books of their own. I wish I could show you the ones my son has put together.

I loved that Sam makes 3 funny books called: #1: Squeak a Mouses life #2: The Lonely Cheese #3: (a chapter book)The Mystery Of Mouse Mansion. every body loves his books but they don't know who this Sam is. Sam is a Library Mouse and he lives behind the Children's Reference books.

I am a new school librarian. I read this book to my first and second graders near the beginning of the school year. After reading this book aloud, one second grade class asked if they could bring in stories they had written. Of course I said, "Yes!" I read the stories the second graders brought in to the first graders. Then they wanted to bring in stories they had written! It was wonderful. For about eight weeks, I had all kinds of creative stories written by first and second graders to read to the other classes. I finally let a child check out the book. Somehow, I had missed reading it to one of the classes (they must come to me on Fridays!) Anyway, almost everytime they visit, they ask if I will read this book to them. It's always checked out.

By the way, one of the first students to bring in a book for me to read was a reluctant writer. His second grade teacher said his writing had totally taken off! A first grader, anxious to bring something in, copied an entire Spongebob book - word for word. This lead to a carefully worded lesson on author's owning their work and not copying.

I'm not sure who enjoys this book more: me or my 4.5 year old daughter!! The illustrations of Sam are adorable as can be, and his creativity and passion are contagious. On the 4th or 5th reading, I noticed Daniel Kirk's little "trick" in the daytime illustrations which I will keep a secret however will encourage you and your little ones to discover! I could not recommend this lovely book more highly! A must for every library.

This is a very clever story! Sam the library mouse enjoys his home in the public library so much, that eventually he starts writing little books of his own. He adds them to the collection overnight, while the library is closed. Sam's books are discovered, and develops a fan base among library staff and patrons alike! :) The library director leaves Sam a letter (not knowing he's a MOUSE) to "Meet the Author Day." Being shy as a mouse, Sam comes up with a creative way to turn the library's younger patrons into authors, themselves. Cute!

This is a great read aloud book for young children who are or about to experience using the library or who are ready to write their own stories. Teachers who are beginning to teach writing in the primary grades could use this book for their students as an incentive to write stories.