Parents' Guide to

Mary and the Mouse, the Mouse and Mary

By Patricia Tauzer, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Mighty mouse tale sure to tickle kids of all ages.

Book Beverly Donofrio Picture Book 2007
Mary and the Mouse, the Mouse and Mary Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

See all

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

When Mary discovers that a mouse family lives in her house, she begins to drop her fork every night at dinner, just so she can wave to one little mouse girl who waves back. Both Mary and the mouse go about similar lives, go to school, grow up, and move on. They miss each other, but eventually share the same house again, when as adults, they each have a family, and Mary's daughter Maria takes her relationship with the mouse's daughter one step further.

Is It Any Good?

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

With its soft yet vibrant colors, retro print style, and characters that look like throwbacks to the '40s or '50s, this book has a classic look to it. But the story is new, and quite unique and captivating. MARY AND THE MOUSE, THE MOUSE AND MARY is the story of a two-way relationship that grows and changes over two different generations. The scenery changes as the characters grow up, move away, and then have families of their own -- the look of the '50s gives way to the '60s, '70s, and so on.

Readers of all ages will appreciate the detailed illustrations rendered in pen and ink, watercolor and gouache. They will have fun finding the parallels in the worlds of the little girl and mouse, and love the friendly curiosity that draws the two of them together.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the parallel worlds of the girl and the mouse and the ways they follow one another and nearly intersect. They can also point out fun details that grace every page. Kids will recognize the furniture in the human household and be amazed at the clever little things the mice use to furnish their home in much the same way, like the egg carton sofa. What else do you see? Would you like having a mouse in your house? How is Mary a different sort of mouse?

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.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate