Library Mouse

by Daniel Kirk Narrated by Chris Sorensen

Overview

Acclaimed author and illustrator of over 30 children's books, Daniel Kirk delights kids with his fun-filled tales. The first in a new series, Library Mouse tells the story of Sam, a young mouse who lives in a hole in the library and comes out at night to write stories. His books are soon found by a puzzled librarian, who leaves a note inviting the mystery writer to Meet the Author Day. At first Sam isn't sure what to do, but his ingenious solution is sure to be a real winner. This rousing tale will leave kids itching to write their own stories.

Editorial Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

Mouse becomes muse. Late at night when the library is closed, Sam the mouse, an enthusiastic reader and writer, sneaks out of his comfy hole to take advantage of the library's resources, leaving the books he writes behind. One morning, Sam works all night and falls asleep at a table, waking up just in time to avoid an elementary-school writing club. In his haste to escape, however, he leaves behind his notebook. Young Tom discovers it and takes it to the librarian, who suggests he leave it for Sam to find later. Tom has another idea, deciding to find Sam. He leaves cheese and a story he's written called "The Shy One" by Sam's mousehole. In no time flat, the duo is collaborating, with Sam doing the illustrations. And Tom's text gives Sam an idea for another book. Kirk's substantial text suits early grades. While his illustrations hold little artistic nuance, they do incorporate well-known titles by other author-illustrator duos, and children will enjoy spotting such favorites as Goodnight Moon and Miss Nelson Is Back. In all, a solid nudge to budding writers. (Picture book. 6-9)

School Library Journal - Audio

02/01/2014
PreS-Gr 4—When Sam, the Library Mouse, and his good friend Sarah discover that their beloved library is going to be renovated, they quickly realize that they must find a temporary place to live. Luckily, Sam, who knows all about doing research, finds a book with different types of homes from around the world, and together he and Sarah build all sorts of houses from an igloo to a castle to a geodesic dome to see where they'd like to live. They can't agree on the best kind of abode, though, until Sarah finds an old atlas in a corner and props it open to make an A-frame house. Of course, Sam feels right at home in a library book house! The CD is skillfully narrated by Chris Sorensen, who adds just the right amount of inflection to his voice, making this an enjoyable read-along. Two read-along versions, one with sound effects for page turns and one without, are included. In the accompanying book (Abrams, 2007), vibrant watercolor illustrations complement the text. Additional pages include photos of the real house styles discussed in the text along with a brief informational paragraph about each. A helpful glossary of vocabulary used throughout the story is included as well. This is a great story that may inspire children to do a little research of their own while exploring their own library. Recommended for public library collections.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

AUGUST 2009 - AudioFile

Chris Sorenson's well-timed pauses and gentle cadences give an understated sense of drama to the quiet story of a library mouse who reads and writes. Through his soft tones, Sorenson gives listeners a tender feeling for Sam, the shy mouse with big thoughts and a desire to write books. Sorenson then builds the image of a librarian who is full of curiosity and admiration for Sam's books, which appear each morning in her library. Sorenson voices the reactions of the library's young patrons with punchy lines of dialogue that note their surprise and pleasure at Sam's delightful nocturnal creations. Sam has few speaking lines, so Sorenson must characterize him with subtlety. His approach puts the emphasis on the mouse's joy at invention rather than a wish for acclaim. S.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171255879
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	02/01/2013
Series:	Library Mouse , #1
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

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