Customer Reviews

Mahalia Mouse Goes to College: Book and CD

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Today I found a rare thing -- a book that would be an excellent graduation gift whether the grad in question is departing preschool or university. It's "Mahalia Mouse Goes to College," by John Lithgow (Harvard Class of `67), illustrated by Igor Oleynikov.
When I taught juniors at Penn State this spring, I discovered they believe children do not like books that contain vocabulary beyond their ken. I argued that encountering new words might increase children's vocabulary and thus be a good thing, and they agreed but claimed that kids often don't like what's good for them. True enough, and if you share my students' conviction, then John Lithgow's books -- which include "The Remarkable Farkle McBride," and "Marsupial Sue" -- are not for you.
If, on the other hand, you think kids get a kick out of mastering words like wisteria (rhymes with cafeteria), allayed (rhymes with paid), and zoology (rhymes with psychology), then Lithgow's rollicking texts will appeal to you. In this case, it's not only the wordplay that is fun. Lithgow has written a parable about the ruthlessness involved in leaving home in order to achieve greater things.
Lithgow's opening lines, coupled with Oleynikov's grim, rain-soaked illustration, evoke an almost Dickensian mood. Or maybe they were shooting for Lemony Snicket? Anyway, the story begins:
"The skies of September were bursting with rain
Pelting the old dormitory
It filled every gutter and choked every drain
Chapter 1 of Mahalia's story."
As if the rain weren't bad enough, Mahalia's mother, consumed by sorrow, sends her daughter out foraging, warning that things are so dire "the babies may die." Dutifully, Mahalia departs, is attracted by the smell of cheese in a college student's backpack, finds herself zipped inside, and next thing you know is entranced by a lecture that "concerns the behavior of atoms in space/Their collisions and fissions, their motion and pace."
The dying babies are forgotten, and Mahalia enrolls in college where she excels not only academically but at extracurriculars like squash and, briefly, square dancing.
The story ends in a hail of confetti and sunshine on graduation day with Mahalia and her family reunited -- the babies, apparently, having survived. It's a great story with just the edge of poignance that accompanies one generation's outstripping its predecessor.

This is the cutest book to read to children of all ages. It is a great read for an adult. If you went to a college class you will certainly appreciate how this little mouse attends the college classes. It also comes with a CD.You will love this book. I highly recommed it.

The story and illustrations in the book were outstanding. I gave it to my five year old granddaughter and she wanted it read to her over and over. I highly reccomend it.

Mahalia Mouse Goes to College is a wonderful book, written by John Lithgow. It comes with a cd of the author narrating the story which is great. The illustrations are vivid and bring the story to life. The story is about a mouse that goes to college. This book is a dedication to the Harvard graduating class of 2005. John Lithgow was the guest speaker at that commencement and having had a son in that class of 2005, this was a must have book for my Harvard graduate as a keepsake which he can share with his children some day.

This is a wonderful book and the illerstrations are awesome. John Lithgow is a wonderful writer and narrator. It's a gift I love giving children.

I was thrilled when I received my package of books w/cds. The package was intact and the items were in perfect condition. I couldn't wait to share my newly purchased items with my students (and my family).
I am so happy with my decision to purchase these items through Amazon.

Lisa
PS- The students (and teachers) LOVE John Lithgow, he's pure entertainment!

Good story! All of John Lithgow's books are fun and verbally unusually fun and challenging, introducing your child to new words. Some of his books have songs included that adds to the enjoyment of the stories.

We bought the book with CD for my daughter's first birthday and both read and listen to it often (she can recite the entire story now). John Lithgow makes great use of rhyme and offers challenging vocabulary for younger kids. This book would also make a great gift for a college student from a parent, the story is sweet and speaks all ages.

This works as a great alternative to the Seuss book that has forever been a favorite HS grad gift. This one bears meaning for grads who had to overcome obstacles. I first read it in an airport and fell in love with the book.

While this is a children's book, Lithgow wrote this for a college graduation speech. He appeals to all age groups, you see. And the book has the usual CD included in the book - but I have not tried to separate it from the book to see if it works (neither of them worked in the two poetry collection books I ordered) as this book is purchased as a gift for a grandchild. Enjoy this selection and watch your gift recipients do the same!