Max, Nat, Bud, Al, Mose, Herm, Lem, Tov, Gabe, and Saul are the only ones who come regularly to the once-vibrant synagogue, until the mouse arrives. The men decide to adopt it. When the mouse has babies, it’s a cause for celebration (“Our mouse is a her . . . and a mother to boot!”). But as the babies grow there are simply too many feet underfoot. They transport the four-footed family to a lovely spot in the country, but their daily trips to the synagogue are now a little wistful. Then the mouse returns with the cold winds of autumn. “ 'Don’t tell me . . . your children grew up and moved away. An old story, ’ ” Herm tells her. “ 'Don’t worry, ’ Saul adds. 'You’ll hear from your kids again . . . when they need something.’ 'Welcome home mouse,’ ” they all chorus. Distinctive personalities, including the mouse’s, and a sweetly funny premise distinguish Cary Fagan’s story, keenly illustrated by Gary Clement with a perfect balance of realism and humor. (Ages 6–9)

Ten Old Men and a Mouse is a charming story about the unlikely friendship that develops between ten old men whose lives revolve around their daily prayer sessions, the care of an old synagogue, and a mouse that decides to take up residency there. The humor in the whimsical illustrations that ac company the text will put a smile on readers’ and listeners’ faces regardless of age. The author has won the Sydney Taylor Honor Book Award, a Mr. Christie Silver Medal, and a Silver Birch Honor Book Award. The illustrator has won the Governor General’s Award for Illustration (Canada). ak