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Parents' Guide to

Library Mouse: A Friend's Tale

By Patricia Tauzer, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Cute tale about a shy boy and mouse writing a book.

Book Daniel Kirk Picture Book 2009
Library Mouse: A Friend's Tale Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

When kids in the library's Writers and Illustrators Club team up to write and illustrate books, a shy boy named Tom finds he does not have a partner. The librarian offers to help, but instead Tom ends up striking up a friendship with Sam, the library's mystery author. In the process, the two create a very unusual book, and solve the library's mystery.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The story here is about teamwork, friendship, writing, libraries, kids, and a friendly little mouse; how can it miss? On top of that, any book that promotes the fun of writing, reading, and libraries is worth taking a look at. In this one, the colors are bright, and shelves and tables of the library are filled with books that kids will recognize.

Besides picking out titles they know, and talking about why they are favorites, kids will enjoy the cute story and irresistible characters, and they'll definitely relate to the larger messages here: It's a mystery with secret friends and trails of footprints as well as a story about overcoming shyness and the importance of friendship and teamwork.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about book writing and illustrating, and all the things that go into it. Would you rather be the author, the illustrator, or both? How did teamwork make Tom's book a success? How did it help both Tom and the mouse? Where did Tom get his idea for his story? Why didn't he want Mrs. Forrester to read it aloud? What was so amazing about the illustrations? Do you have any ideas for writing a good book?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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