Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this simple, inspiring book packs a big message about love and dedication to learning.
Parents can talk to their kids about college -- how is it different than elementary school? What kinds of responsibilities do college students have in school? Families can share their own favorite subjects and even play school together.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Dawn Friedman
While there are lots of stars writing kids books these days, it's a precious few who have the talent to do the job regardless of their famous names. John Lithgow is one of the authors who consistently produces terrific books for young readers and MAHALIA MOUSE GOES TO COLLEGE is no exception.
Originally written as his commencement speech for Harvard class of '05 (and a recording of the speech on CD is included with the book), this rhyming story naturally translates to an intriguing picture book.
Perhaps it's Lithgow's stage training, but he certainly understands the power of rhythm and rhyme, making his books lots of fun to "perform" as read-alouds. He also conveys a love of words, using a vocabulary that is challenging for the littlest kids but within a context that makes it easy to understand what's happening.
Oleynikov's illustrations are finely detailed, as suits a book about a mouse. Dark colors wash through the first part of the story, but the colors warm and brighten as Mahalia finds her footing in school.
From The Book
Activities, too, filled Mahlia's days
"For no shrinking violet, she):
Fencing and football, recitals and plays,
Glee club and squash, a brief square-dancing phase.
At the end of four years of achievement and praise,
It was time to receive her degree.
Plot Summary:
Mahalia Mouse leaves her struggling family to find her future at college.
Related Books:
Other Books by John Lithgow:
The Remarkable Farkle McBride
I'm a Manatee
Carnival of the Animals
Micawber
Marsupial Sue
More Outstanding Mouse Stories:
Mary and the Mouse, the Mouse and Mary by Beverly Donofrio
Anatole by Eve Titus
Mouse Tales by Arnold Lobel
Lilly's Big Day by Kevin Henkes
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Social BehaviorThrough her own persistence and other people's tolerance, Mahalia lives her dreams. |
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