The Wizard Mouse

by Dean Morrissey, Stephen Krensky

A field mouse’s place is in the field—or so say Rollie’s father, his grandfather, and everyone he has ever known. But Rollie wants something more. So one day, he sets off down the path toward the Kingdom of Muddmoor, not knowing what he’ll find. In the adventures that follow, Rollie encounters many strange and wonderful things, from a talking fish and floating cows to the official Wizard of Muddmoor. But it turns out that what the kingdom needs most may just be the skills of one small field mouse. Dean Morrissey’s lush paintings and magical story bring Rollie to life as the tiny hero who, with a little courage, makes a huge difference.

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Childrens, Animals, Magic

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Appears to be a work in progress, not ready for publishing. The illustrations are uncomfortably non cohesive and the story itself is missing the magic.

[Lokita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well...that was certainly a book. 😅 The quality of the cover piece seems much higher than the rest of the daubish illustrations and the author had the misfortune to hit my pet peeve on the nose (using "okay" in a medieval context.)

[Julia Jasztal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mommy's review from 11/13/11 -


4.5 actually for us. There are more than a few lessons to be gleaned from this story. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and the story is the same. We both had a lot of fun reading this one.
In short, a little mouse named Rollie, is unhappy being a field mouse and staying "in his place". After quiting his job loading corn he sets off for the village of Muddmoor.
While traveling Rollie sees a tower with some strange things around. A sign that says only 'Wizard' is the first thing he sees. Then he notices two cows floating in the air next to the tower.
Inside the tower Rollie meets Solarus, who is a wizard in need of some help. Help Rollie can - and does - give.
While helping the wizard keep his place in the kingdom Rollie has magic power translated to himself seemingly without knowing it would happen.
In the end, Rollie is designated Rollie the Wizard Mouse, Official Wizard Mouse of the Kingdom of Muddmoor and Special Consultant to Solarus.
Rollie shows everyone - including all of the mice he grew up with - that he's capable of much more than anyone thought.

[Sandybear76 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the colorful illustrations. The story is of a little field mouse who wanted more in life. He heads to the big city across the field and forest. He finds a castle with cows floating in the air. Then he meets the wizard of the castle. The wizard needs some help and thinks the little mouse can help him.

[Tisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Dean Morrissey's Ship of Dreams (1990), and thought that this book might be in the same vein. But aside from the gorgeous, clear illustrations of the wizard, Solarus, the illustrations were fuzzy and nowhere near as breathtaking as in Morrissey's earlier works. The story seemed stilted, and I was disappointed by the book.

[Kim Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing illustrations in this story about a mouse that leaves the castle and discovers where the wizard lives. A magical picture book for more advanced readers. I k ow I have some boys that will love this one.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

The artwork is lovely, but the story is really blah. Maybe it could work for someone who needs to see someone go from unsupported to wildly successful, but I think there are better examples out there. Overall, I thought the story was strange and boring, but I did like the floating cows.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Handsomely illustrated fantasy.

[Connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute illustrations, not wild about the little mouse who heads for greener pastures and finds a forgetful wizard needs his help.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations, ho-hum story.