"Sometimes, when I'm being very quiet and cuddly, my mommy calls me her little mouse." The small girl who narrates this story finds that funny because she sees herself differently: Tall like a giraffe. Strong like a bull. Brave and scary like a lion. Loud as an elephant. She can even fly like a bird. None of these creatures are mentioned in the narrative, however. Instead, they are prominent features of the illustrations as the things the little girl says about herself are demonstrated by the girl, and mirrored or reflected in the pictured animal's behavior. It all suggests her vibrant imagination at work, and reflects a dynamic and positive sense of self. The fact that most of the animals are quite large, and she is quite small but undaunted, only adds to the charm of Alison Murray's whimsical, satisfying story. (Ages 2-5)

Sometimes the nickname Little Mouse just doesn't seem to fit, like when you feel as brave as a lion or as loud as an elephant. Other times, it's nice to be quiet and cozy, cuddly and dozy, especially when you're snuggled up on Mommy's lap. Mommy's little mouse.