Who Goes There?
Sweet tale of mouse overcoming fear, finding a friend.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
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.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Who Goes There? addresses nighttime fears, fear of the dark, and fear of the unknown. The book aims to dispel these fears with a positive outcome, but some young children could be frightened by depictions of the mouse's scared imaginings of who or what could be making the noises he hears outside (for example, a great horned owl and a scary cat).
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Lewis Mouse is preparing his tree home for winter when he hears a very troubling sound at his door. Is the scritch-scratch at his door a scary predator, the howling wind, or something worse? As he summons the courage to face his fears, he learns a few pleasant surprises about venturing into the unknown.
Is It Any Good?
WHO GOES THERE? is a simple and sweet tale about fear of the unknown. The simple characters and gentle illustrations using pen, ink, and watercolor add a romantic, old-fashioned quality to this story of friendship.
Kids getting used to trying new experiences will have their fears assuaged by this positive depiction of making friends in unlikely circumstances, and parents can appreciate this nostalgic nod to the Beatrix Potter books and the opportunity presented here for a conversation about trying new things.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about fear of the unknown. Have you been afraid to try something new or different that you found scary? What was it? Did you try it? What happened?
Can you think of any other books you've read that have a mouse as the main character? Why do you think they're so common in books for young kids?
What does your family do to stay cozy or warm in your house during the winter? What are your favorite winter treats or traditions? What animals do you know that hibernate?
Book Details
- Author: Karma Wilson
- Illustrator: Anna Currey
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Cats, Dogs, and Mice, Friendship, Science and Nature, Wild Animals
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
- Publication date: October 22, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: March 11, 2020
Our Editors Recommend
-
Superhero Joe and the Creature Next Door
Superhero tale offers sweet lessons about everyday fears.
-
Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears
Clever read fun to share with phobia-prone kids.
-
Not Afraid of Dogs
Sweet, poignant story of overcoming fear.
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