Seven Blind Mice (Caldecott Honor Book) [Hardcover]

Ed Young (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Caldecott Honor Book

Bold primary colors help depict the seven blind mice as they each set out to investigate the elephant that is standing near the pond.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In a stunning celebration of color Caldecott medalist Young ( Lon Po Po ) offers a vibrant variation on the fable of the blind men trying to identify an elephant. Seven differently-hued blind mice approach the "strange Something" in their midst on successive days and report their findings to the group. A large black square provides the background for each painting, a dramatic contrast to the brilliant images "felt" by the sightless rodents. Young's textured, cut-paper illustrations allow readers to visualize just how a floppy ear might be mistaken for a fan ("I felt it move!"); the elephant's curving trunk springs to life as both a jewel-green snake and a glowing yellow spear. The spare text permits greater exploration and enjoyment of the artwork--it may be difficult to read the story straight through without stopping to compare the various images. The "Mouse Moral" that concludes the tale--"Knowing in part may make a fine tale, but wisdom comes from seeing the whole"--may seem superfluous to those who prefer the imaginative "vision" of the mice. Ages 4-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- A real winner, on many levels. The first impression is visual delight. Brilliant colors and varied textures of paper collage are placed in striking contrast against velvety black pages. Bold white lettering imposed on the dark background tells of seven blind mice, seen in seven bright colors. Over the course of a week each investigates, in turn, the strange ``Something'' it encounters. To one it is a pillar, to another a snake, to another a cliff. Finally, on the seventh day, the white mouse, running across the thing and remembering what the others found, concludes that it is an elephant. The tale ends with the moral that wisdom comes from seeing ``the whole.'' Adapting the old fable of the blind men and the elephant by weaving in the days of the week, the mice, and the beautiful shapes of the things they see, Young gives children a clever story, wise words, and a truly exciting visual experience.
- Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Philomel; 1st Ed. edition (April 29, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399222618
• ISBN-13: 978-0399222610
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 10.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #260,269 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Caldecott Medalist Ed Young is the illustrator of over eighty books for children, seventeen of which he has also written.
He finds inspiration for his work in the philosophy of Chinese painting. 'A Chinese painting is often accompanied by words,' explains Young. 'They are complementary. There are things that words do that pictures never can, and likewise, there are images that words can never describe.'
Born in Tientsin, China, Ed Young grew up in Shanghai and later moved to Hong Kong. As a young man, he came to the United States on a student visa to study architecture but turned instead to his love of art.
Young began his career as a commercial artist in advertising and found himself looking for something more expansive, expressive, and timeless. He discovered all this, and more, in children's books. The subject and style of each story provide Young with the initial inspiration for his art and with the motivation for design, sequence, and pace. Accuracy in research is essential to his work, too--whether he is illustrating fantasy, folk tale, or fact.
According to Young, a strong foundation of credibility must be established in order to create new and exciting images. Through such images, he hopes to capture his readers and ultimately expand their awareness. Young's quest for challenge and growth are central in his role as illustrator.
'Before I am involved with a project I must be moved, and as I try something exciting, I grow. It is my purpose to stimulate growth in the reader as an active participant as well,' Young explains. 'I feel the story has to be exciting, and a moving experience for a child.'
A graduate of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Young has since taught at the Pratt Institute, Yale University, Naropa Institute, and the University of California at Santa Cruz. In 1990, his book Lon Po Po was awarded the Caldecott Medal. He has also received two Caldecott Honors--for The Emperor and the Kite and Seven Blind Mice--and was twice nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, the highest international recognition given to children's book authors and illustrators who have made a lasting contribution to children's literature.
Young lives in Westchester County, New York, with his two daughters.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seven various colored blind mice try to examine an elephant., December 28, 1999

By 

Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Seven Blind Mice (Caldecott Honor Book) (Hardcover)

This book retells the ancient Indian tale of seven blind men who try to decide what an elephant is like based on examining one part of it. In this book, it is seven blind mice that examine the elephant; six of them draw incorrect conclusions based on one feel, whereas the seventh mouse takes it's time, and learns the truth about the elephant. I was particularly pleased with the moral of this story.

The mice are each of a different color and examine the elephant on a different day, which helps expose children to the concepts of color and days of the week. The artwork is humorous which helps with children too young to read, and the text is simple enough for young readers. For reference purposes, my own 1st grader had no problem reading this book.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book, both words and illustration, January 12, 2000

By 

Krista (Murfreesboro, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Seven Blind Mice (Caldecott Honor Book) (Hardcover)

This children's book is not only a wonderful tale but it also uses beautiful illustrations that only enhance the story. The book would be an excellent resource for teachers to use when teaching about morals, the importance of taking your time, or even collages (art). This is a wonderful book with a strong moral story line and exciting, eye catching pictures.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A philosophical book for all ages; a feast to the eyes!, June 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Seven Blind Mice (Caldecott Honor Book) (Hardcover)

Six out of seven curious mice draw fast conclusions of the unknown. The seventh, the wise takes time to learn. A beautiful book full of color that excites the imagination and transfers wisdom.