Livingstone Mouse [Hardcover]

Pamela Duncan Edwards (Author), Henry Cole (Illustrator)

Book Description

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

First there was Stuart Little. Then there were the Rescuers. And now we have another great mouse adventurer: Livingstone!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K?A one-joke book with a predictable plot. Livingstone is an explorer, and when his mother decides it's time for her children to leave the nest, he sets out for an exotic locale. His mother's remark that "China is very nice" is initially mysterious, but in fact is the set-up for the eventual punch line. After rejecting a variety of spots (too noisy, smelly, spicy, dangerous, bright) and meeting a number of other creatures, Livingstone finally settles down in a broken teapot in a field where he lives happily ever after. While the illustrations are appealing and the story has some promise, problems with the presentation abound. The intended audience is unlikely to understand either the significance of Livingstone's name or the connection between China and a teapot. Flaws also exist within the illustrations. The faces of both mice and rats seem oddly rounded, more like kangaroos than rodents, while the picture accompanying a rat's description of damage done to his tail by a trap does not adequately reflect the text. Also, it is unclear why a raccoon wanders by, since the initial action takes place indoors. Many other books with similar themes and/or more appealing mice make Edwards and Cole's expedition one that most libraries won't miss.?Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 3^-7. Livingstone is an explorer searching for the greatest place in the world in which to build his nest. And where might that be? "Well, I have heard China is very nice," his mother hazards a guess, and as simply as that, our hero has a destination. Finding it, however, is another matter and the stuff of some amusing misadventures, since--to an unworldly mouse--China might be a sneaker or a picnic basket, or even a rattrap. The illustrations' affectionate treatment of character and their use of a mouse's eye perspective add to the merriment. As for the China that Livingstone finally discovers--well, it's not what you expect, but it suits his needs superbly. Michael Cart

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books; 1st edition (August 22, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060258691
• ISBN-13: 978-0060258696
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #609,595 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Pamela Duncan Edwards grew up in the Wirral, but has spent most of her adult life in the USA. She worked as a children's librarian before becoming a writer and is now the bestselling author of over 30 children's books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My children love this one..., April 21, 2002

By 

Teri Short (Indy, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Livingstone Mouse (Paperback)

Livingstone is a brave little mouse who wants to build his nest in the "greatest place in the world". His mama suggests that "China is very nice". So off scurries Livingstone in search of China. At every turn he discovers some wonderful places to build his nest and assumes he has at last found his destination. But neighbors inform him that he has been mistaken...which is just fine with Livingstone. Each place has assaulted his senses in one fashion or another. One place is too loud, one place smells awful, one place is too bright! But at the end, and with a delightful twist of words, Livingstone stumbles across what he hopes will be his future home. The illustrations in this book are nothing short of outstanding! They really captured my children's attention! This book helped me introduce the five senses to my little ones. I must admit, even I get a tickle out of reading it myself. You won't be disappointed.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Book, March 10, 2006

By 

Kinder teacher "Loves Kids" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Livingstone Mouse (Paperback)

I am a kindergarten teacher and love this book. It is very easy to animate which way China is by pointing in different directions for Livingstone Mouse to go. Most children like to dig towards China in the sand box so they are surprised that it is a serving tea pot. This is one of my favorite books I like to read aloud to my class.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Livingstone Mouse, March 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Livingstone Mouse (Paperback)

This is an excellent children's book. I read it to a class of 20 second graders and they were transfixed to the pages. The illustrations were very detailed and beautifully done. The story line is entertaining and comical. In the process of looking for a new home, Livingstone Mouse encounters quite a few obstacles.