by Brian Patten; illus. by Nicola Bayley
32 pages; ages 4-8
Peachtree Publishers, 2014
Themes: adventure, animals, nature
"A very small mouse decided she wanted to have a very big adventure. I'll go and find the biggest creature in the world, she thought."
On her way she meets a variety of animals: a frog, a badger, a tiger... and each time she asks that animal if it is the biggest animal in the world. No, says the animal, but can I come too? They wander through meadow and river, up mountain and down, until they reach the very edge of land... and there they meet "...something bigger than a million mice."
What I like about this book: the sense of adventure! Who wouldn't want to join this band of merry seekers off in search of the biggest animal in the world. I also love how the tiger promises not to eat anyone if they let him join the quest. And the realization that you don't have to be a big person - or creature - to have a big adventure.
I also love the illustration! Nicola Bayley opens with a garden - from a mouse's-eye view, of course. I love the details she works into her art: prickles on a poppy stem, veins in a dragonfly's wing, the various nails and claws and feet of the animals.
Beyond the book: If a mouse from your neighborhood took off on such an adventure, what sort of animals would she come across? If you're not sure, tuck a tiny stuffed mouse in your pocket and go on a walk. Make a list of the animals you see, and then write your own adventure story.
Find a cozy place to sit in your yard or a park, and draw that place from the point of view of a very small animal. What would that animal notice? How big would the grass stems be, or the flowers, or the feet of people sitting on a park bench?
In case adventuring makes you hungry, the folks at Peachtree have a cute suggestion for a healthy snack: a pear mouse.
Book Giveaway: If you want to win a copy of this book, the rules are simple:
1. leave a comment
2. then email me at sueheaven[at]gmail[dot]com - so I have a way to contact you if you are the winner (or go to my profile and click on the email).
3. the giveaway is limited to residents in the US.
get your comments in by Wednesday (Oct 15).
Today's review is also part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday), an event in which bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. She keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. And remember to drop by the other blog-tour stops (links below) where you might find more chances to win a copy of Can I Come Too. Review copy provided by publisher.
Blog tour stops earlier this week
Monday Green Bean Teen Queen
Tuesday Geo Librarian & Kid Lit Reviews
Wednesday Chat with Vera
Thursday Blue Owl & The Fourth Musketeer
I would love to win this book for my son thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful book. I saw it reviewed and fell in love with it. My granddaughter/grandson would love this.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a cute book! So adorable and adventuresome! A real find. I Love the cover and it is a good invitation to read the rest. :)
ReplyDeleteSue, I don't know how I missed this one's release, thanks so much for reviewing it. My sort of story!
ReplyDeleteThe book looks fun - and I am smitten by the pear mouse! I have everything but the cream cheese eyes on hand.
ReplyDeleteAs Wendy wisely noted, we both have pear crafts on our PPBF reviews today! Although yours looks MUCH healthier than mine!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE a good adventure story!!
ReplyDeleteThe illustrations are gorgeous. I'd love to read this to my preschool nephew and niece.
ReplyDeleteWe spend a lot of time talking about going on adventures... we like books on the topic. We'll need to find this one. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful looking book. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI know children will enjoy reading about the adventures of this little mouse. I love the bright and colorful illustrations.
ReplyDeletemarypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Merry
This looks just wonderful, Sue! I love the cover illustration, and your description of the garden from the mouse's POV! And I love that the tiger promised not to eat anyone :) And what a nice message - that even a little critter can have a big adventure. Also love your activities as always :)
ReplyDelete