By Word Of Mouse [Hardcover]

Kate Spohn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 12, 2004 | Age Level: 4 and up

Lucy is a curious and adventurous mouse who wants to live in a real house. At first Lucy only visits the house occasionally. Each time, the sisters who live there bring her back to the woods and tell her not to come back. But she doesn't understand why-after all, the sisters bake sugar lace cookies just for her (she thinks). And Lucy can tell they love animals. Surely the sisters will have to give in eventually . . .

When Kate Spohn was in high school, she tended the garden of Dorothy and Gertrude Lathrop (Dorothy received the first Caldecott Medal in 1938 for Animals of the Bible), witnessing firsthand the sisters' kindness toward animals and love of all living things. Kate has brought Lucy to life in this delightful picture book about a determined and charming mouse finding a home of her own.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–Lucy, an adventurous mouse, decides to live with two artistic humans in their house in the woods. The animal-loving sisters attempt to take her back outside, but she returns again and again, bringing more family and friends each time. The sisters eventually learn to live with the mice and use them as models for their paintings, sculptures, and children's stories. The two sisters are loosely based on Dorothy (the first recipient of the Caldecott Medal in 1938) and Gertrude (the renowned sculptor) Lathrop. This is not a biography, however, since the siblings play supporting roles to the central character. While the plot is a little loose, it has the nostalgic charm of a picture book from Dorothy's time. Spohn's large, lighthearted paintings are done in an attractive mix of primary and pastel colors. It is a bit confusing that Dorothy and Gertrude look like children, even though the text refers to their adult professions. Pair this gentle tale with other books about mice and art, such as Leo Lionni's Matthew's Dream (Knopf, 1991) and Ellen Stoll Walsh's Mouse Paint (Harcourt, 1989).–Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Kate Spohn is the author and illustrator of the easy reader series Turtle and Snake, picture books such as Snow Play, and other wonderful books for children. She also makes unique clothes and dolls in her spare time. Kate lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books (June 12, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582348677
• ISBN-13: 978-1582348674
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 10 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,761,369 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book!!, March 19, 2005

By 

Marie B. (Virginia USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: By Word Of Mouse (Hardcover)

Lovely story! Even though it's a children's book, it has a great message for all ages. Simple yet very well written. Illustrations are adorable. This is a must read for those who have respect for all animals, and hopefully will open the eyes and minds of others.