Me and My Big Mouse by Ethan Long

Hi there!

Welcome back to the site that's not afraid to read outside the target audience, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

You read that right.  Don't be afraid to step outside the box that you might have painted around yourself.  Explore the wide world of reading.  Sample all the joys it has to offer....including those geared towards the younger set but perfectly acceptable for anyone with an active imagination.  Today's title falls smack into the Children's Storybook category and while whimsically entertaining, it also imparts a few great lessons.  So, without further ado, today's book of choice and soon to be book birthday celebrant is....

Me and My Big Mouse

By

Ethan Long

9781477847282

Two Lions

About the book….

Me and My Big Mouse!
Me and My Big Mouse!
Me and My Big Mouse!
Even though “my big mouse” is lovable,
he can also be annoying.
Like sticking too close.
Having bad breath.
And shouting “Squeak-a-boo” when friends come over.
So how can a boy get his adoring pet to change
without hurting his feelings?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We’re about to find out…in answer to the synopsis’ closing question.  Here we have a boy and his mouse, well, his BIG mouse technically and for all intents and purposes, he’s gotten a bit out of control.  Even when dealing with family, which of course our pets are, there is still a requirement for “me” time versus “we” time.  It’s great to have them with us, fun to be around then, a hoot and a half when it’s playtime, but….you gotta have that alone time too; the both of you!  Don’t believe me?  Let’s take a look at a family pet I’m more familiar with….they’ve got four legs (usually), a waggy tail (or nubbin), and an affection for their “parent” that’s hard to match.  Have you guessed?  Yep…it’s the DOG!

When you’re around, they are ecstatic.  When you step away for a few minutes and return, they are ecstatic.  When you call them, feed them, give them a bath (well, most of them), a treat, a toy, pretty much anything….their love for you is apparent.  BUT…even with their endless affection and love for you, they still wander off with their chew toy, lie down on their bed’s for a cat…I mean, dog nap…, and even steal away with a treat, all by their lonesome.  It’s not that they are tired of you, but they recognize their own need for time on their own and give you the same space too…well, most of them anyway, and it’s the smaller part of the whole that gives an adorable read like this LIFE. 

In true picture book fashion, it tells the story not simply with words but with eye capturing illustrations.  They’re colorful and flamboyant, much like our BIG mouse and allow readers the chance to visually digest the story which is entertaining for older readers while making it that much more accessible to the younger audience.  Seeing the BIG mouse go from stuck-like-glue to content and happy family member was a joy filled with smiles and laughter because really, you just can’t help yourself with some of the situations he gets himself into!  I mean come one, SQUEAK-A-BOO?  How cute is that!  I love the fact that the author /illustrator worked reading into the duos favorite pastimes as well and that we get to see the strain caused by too much togetherness but also the balance achieved when time is shared apart (I know, an oxymoron of sorts, but you catch my drift).

In conclusion, another great addition to the storybook genre that not only entertains but educates.  Walking the fine line between the two can be harrowing but this author reached it like a pro.  ARC for review courtesy of Deborah Bass of Two Lions Press.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to search them out online.  This title is set for release June 17^th, 2014 (as of the best information available to me at the time of this post), so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual aisle near you.

Until next time…happy reading!