A Mouse Called Wolf

by Dick King-Smith

Wolfgang Amadeus Mouse ("Wolf," for short) has a big name for such a little mouse. But the name fits. His favorite pastime is listening to Mrs. Honeybee, the lady of the house, play the piano. If only he could sing along to the music! One day, Wolf decides to try -- and to his surprise, out of his mouth comes a perfect melody.

It's not long before Wolf is singing everything from "Three Blind Mice" to Chopin to the Beatles, all to Mrs. Honeybee's accompaniment. Then an accident leaves Mrs. Honeybee in danger, and it's up to Wolf to save her... the only way he knows how.

Genres: Animals, Fiction, Fantasy, Childrens, Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Music

Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Dick King-Smith was born and raised in Gloucestershire, England, surrounded by pet animals. After twenty years as a farmer, he turned to teaching and then to writing children's books.

Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.

Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.

Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much is expected from the runt mouse of a large litter. His brothers and sisters make fun of him for being so small. Named as ‘Wolf’ after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, soon realises he is very special. He opens his mouth one day and becomes the first ever singing mouse! The owner of the house in which Wolf lives plays the piano very well and he is able to copy the songs with a pure singing voice.

They develop a friendship despite not understanding a word of each other. And one day Wolf fulfils his potential and composes his own musical piece, deserving the name given to him, accidently by his mother. I thought it was a sweet story but not one which I was desperate to know what happens next. The terror that the cat feels towards the mouse after an initial altercation made me laugh a few times and Smith uses some beautiful descriptions of the songs.

This book shows that we can become friends with others, without needing to speak the same language. I think it would be well suited to a child in the first few years of key stage 2.

[SusanMJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of ‘a mouse called Wolf,’ by Dick King-Smith is a lovely tale of the life of a musically-inclined mouse called Wolfgang Amadeus.
The Story demonstrates how even the weakest and smallest child has the potential for something great, they just need to try. Wolfgang Amadeus mouse, also called ‘Wolf’ has the unique talent among mice in his ability to sing (rather than squeak). Through his discovery he builds a relationship with the old lady who owns the house, Mrs Honeybee. Mrs Honeybee regularly plays the piano and overtime a duet is created. In the final section of the story, Mrs Honeybee falls over, injuring her ankle, which results in Wolf discovering how to use his talent to not only get help but later, whilst waiting for her return from the hospital, to compose his own piece of music.
There are many facets and stages that occur throughout the story. The first 2 chapters cover themes of perceived inferiority and difference and later the strength of difference demonstrated through the development of an unusual relationship between a mouse and a human. This relationship develops despite them not sharing the same language. Later the story demonstrates how such friendship and positive reinforcement enabled the mouse to fulfil his potential in composition and song. Themes including animals, difference, friendship and the importance of perspective are covered in this novel; as such many tasks in literacy can be gleamed from utilising this book.
One task could involve chapters 4 and 5 which involve fear, both from the cat and the mice. A rather amusing scene takes place during the frightful moment where the cat was chasing the mice, however, in the process, the cat injured itself. However the cat perceives his injuries to be due to the cunning mice and as a result of such trauma develops a fear of mice. However, the mice remain unaware of this newly created phobia and as such remain frightful and dutiful to its presence. These are important chapters for KS1 children and a literacy task could be used to get the children to explain why and how such difference of perception has occurred between cat and mouse. The themes of fear could also be explored in creative writing involving the children to write what they think they would do themselves if they met a mouse and also what the mouse would feel and do as well.
The theme of difference is also an important issue to be discussed as it is very relevant today; this book demonstrates how appreciation of difference is important not just to foster friendship, but also talent. This can be seen in how Wolf’s friendship with Mrs Honeybee not only allowed his discovery of his talent to sing but also to eventually create his very own piece of music. Such discussion could be useful during citizenship lessons.
Finally, this book is a good resource to connect to music lessons. Not only in reference to Mozart but also in encouraging children to create their own lyrics to songs, which was demonstrated in the book through songs such as three blind mice (or singsong mouse).

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

A singing mouse named Wolfgang Amadeus Mouse. A quirky, fun read. I also appreciate the pianist Mrs. Honeybee. They form a lovely relationship of understanding and helping each other out. A feel good tale. If you like music, you should give this book a try.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dick King-Wolf is a master of children's "animal-lit." (Is there such a genre? There should be.) This was a sweet book and enjoyable (for a 4-year-old . . . not much younger).

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so adorable... I read this in third grade and it was my favorite book, until I read City of Ember:)

[Jaimie Pole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to edit out “commit suicide” on the fly while reading to my 3 and 5 year old. There’s a lot of references to songs most children don’t know and piano playing “in a higher key so the mouse had room” etc that have no context to children who don’t play piano. I also wasn’t a fan of the overbearing, mildly hysterical mother mouse, but overall cute and fluffy. 2.5 stars

[Nicole + Kids · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute overall but there were a few moments I didn't love...a stranger offering Wolf candy to lure him out, Wolf accepting it; the mom mouse getting addicted to the candy and described as having somewhat addict behavior... Outdated/tone-deaf humor at best, maybe, but definitely things that gave me pause when reading aloud (I glossed over some, reminded my kids of safe behavior, etc.)

[Peggy Hess Greenawalt · Rating 4 out of 5]

if I were a classroom or music teacher again, esp. 2nd or 3rd grade, I would read this adorable story out loud to the kids stopping along the way. I would teach about the composers and their music. I would teach the kids the songs, where middle C is on the piano, and so much more. What a great teaching tool to connect music and literature, and a sweet story to share with kids.

[Alice, as in Wonderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay but for real. Excellent and adorable.

[Shasta · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first non-picture-on-every-page read aloud - so sweet

[G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started to reread this last night and continued it this afternoon. I finished this book on that short car ride.

4:42PM--
Aww! What a cute book! I didn't feel the same captivation and feelings that I did when I first read it during 3rd Grade, though. That's kind of sad because I was really expecting a lot from my favorite book report when I was younger. :( I even saved this book of Dick King-Smith's for last because I was expecting a lot!

This book is about Wolfgang Amadeus. He is a small mouse with a big name which fits perfect with his gift of singing. He lives with his mother in a little mouse hole. Wolf befriends Mrs. Honeybee, the owner of the house and the both of them together- with Mrs. Honeybee's piano-playing and Wolf's voice- make beautiful music.

The ending was great and happy. As all of Dick King-Smith's children's books are. It was unrealistic, but hey! It's a fantasy book with a mouse as the main character! The underlying theme of the book teaches readers, especially young children, a good moral. Anyone and everyone can be friends. Any child will surely enjoy reading this book. I know I did.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wolf was the youngest of the children, and the smallest. Therefore, he needed the most important-sounding name his mother could come up with. Looking at a torn piece of paper from the Lady's piano, he was named Wolfgang Amadeus Mo(use). The large, ungangly name made him an even bigger target for teasing, and soon the name was shortened, much to his pleasure, to Wolf. He soon discovered that he was the first mouse ever to have a talent for singing. Not only that, but Wolf became fast friends with the Lady of the House, even getting help for her when old age worked against her.

Enjoyable story! My kids really got a kick out of the mouse named Wolf, and his talent for singing. It was a nice book, and included a nice interspersing of lovely illustrations.

[Colleen Mckenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mouse called Wolf tells the story of Wolfgang Amadeus, a mouse with a very special talent, the ability to sing. I enjoyed the use of role reversal in this book in particular when the cat becomes scared of the singing mouse. I thought the relationship between Wolfgang and Mrs Honeybee was touching as they were both lonely and despite being unable to talk were able to communicate through music. I think this idea of alternative communication could potentially be an interesting discussion topic in class. I also liked the fact that at the end of this book was brief overview of the real Amadeus Wolfgang Mozart’s life. I believe this would make a great class story book, because the story is fun but it also taps into issues such as respecting animals and appreciating each other’s differences.

[Friend of Pixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner from King-Smith. Wolf is short for Wolfgang Amadeus Mouse and, true to his name, he loves music. He and his mother live in a house with an elderly woman who was once a concert pianist and plays her grand piano twice a day. He might be a small mouse, but when Wolf finds he has a musical talent of his own, his adventures begin. Logan doesn't know much about music so in addition to being an enjoyable read, this story introduced him to a few musical terms and a couple of composers.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I'd found a different edition than the one illustrated by Melissa Manwell. The pix are adequate, but not charming as they could have been. The story is an animal fantasy, typical of King-Smith's work. I wish more of his were still avl. in libraries, rather than Babe & just a couple of others.

I do appreciate the acknowledgement that one can become 'hooked' on chocolate and suffer 'severe withdrawal symptoms.' It's true!

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely chapter book for early readers. The story is about a small mouse who is named after Mozart but is dubbed "Wolf" for short. And the reader discovers that Wolf may have more in common with his namesake than would be expected of a mouse. The friendship between Wold and his human pianist is sweet.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooh, so fun! A book about a concert pianist and a singing mouse- what more could you ask for?! Wonderful story about musicianship and the relationship between duet performers.
Love love love it!

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cutest story! I've read it a few times, and I still like it!

[Geneviève · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the first english books I ever read

[Nelly Paulina · Rating 5 out of 5]

we loved this cute little story about wolgang amadeus mouse... the singing mouse. whipped through it from beginning to end in one morning.

[Avalon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how Wolf could sing lots of songs and he saved the woman from dying, he sang and the police came. He's a hero. Wolf was creative; he made up his own song.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little story for pre-school kids.

[Emily Samuels · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book every person should read!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute story, and an easy read. The boys loved the characters.

[Jo Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter read this independently, and read it quickly. Said it was one of the best and funniest books she had ever read, so it would be rude not to give it the full 5 *****.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little story, made me laugh!

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

i used to love this. childhood memories

[Gianna Lowry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about a mouse named Wolfgang Amadeus. This mouse was very small compared to his twelve other siblings. He would always lose races and get laughed at. He was constantly made fun of because of his long name compared to his small self. His siblings eventually got tired of saying his full name and just called him “Wolf”. The lady who lived in the house in which the mice lived in would play the piano every day. While Wolf’s siblings disliked the music Wolf quite liked it and began to carefully listen to it. Wolf found a liking in music and wished to sing rather than just squeak as mice do. One day, while the lady was asleep he decided to try to sing. To his surprise, his voice was beautiful. His mother finally recognized his talent as well as the lady who played the piano. The lady decides to test Wolf and plays “The Three Blind Mice” on the piano. She finally leaves and shuts the door, to make sure her cat doesn’t pose as a threat to the mice. She then decides to listen through the closed door. To her delight, Wolf was singing the song she had hoped to teach him. The lady wanted to make friends with Wolf so that they could accompany each other in singing. She begins to put chocolate on the floor by her piano to gain the mouse’s trust. She finally got Wolf to sing for her while she played the piano. One day the lady fell and Wolf had to seek help for her by using his high voice. While the lady was at the hospital, Wolf composed his own music. He sings it to the lady and she finds the music astounding. Wolf is happy to have her approval in the end.

I like this book because it is, in my opinion funny. The way that the lady scolds herself for being crazy because she has a singing mouse and the relationship between Wolf and his mother is quite comedic to me. I like how the author started by making Wolf a looked down upon character and then transforming him into a character that is admired. Especially because the character was bullied but didn’t let it stop him, even though the bullying was from his own family. The author also included the message of not being afraid to try different things because you might just be great at them and you would never know if you never tried. The book also progressively shows how the lady gained the trust of the mouse and how after practice the mouse progressively gets better at singing and later on composing. I only wish that there was more background story on the mice because at some points it did get confusing because the author gave very little detail on Wolf’s family. I would recommend this to someone who wants a funny, light-hearted read.

[Līga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe those who grew up in the 90s remember Babe the pig very well. I might not be wrong claiming that it was the first movie I ever watched in the movie theatre. Back then, the beautiful countryside scenery, talking farm animals, and moving plot about friendship and following one’s dreams left a truly remarkable and lasting impression on me. That’s how I first encountered the work of Dick King-Smith.

Many years later, I found A Mouse Called Wolf on the kids’ bookshelf. That’s when I actually learned who Dick King-Smith was: a farmer for 20 years, then a teacher and a successful author of children’s literature.

Like many of his other works, A Mouse Called Wolf shows respect for animals and describes their interaction with humans.

Once upon a time, there was a mother mouse Mary and her thirteens pups. The smallest one was Wolfgang Amadeus Mouse. “He should have an important-sounding name to make up for his lack of size,” the mother decided after her tiny son had been born. Whenever the older brothers and sisters were making fun of his little size and long name (because they all were bigger and had short and ordinary names), she had cheered him up by saying, “you are going to grow up to be an important mouse. You cannot have a short name.” Indeed, he did. And the great similarity with the name of the excellent composer Mozart’s name lets us guess what kind of great works this little mouse accomplished.

This is a truly nice and well-written tale that in a very simple way addresses to the reader the same important message: be faithful and follow your dreams. Furthermore, the story raises interest in music by pointing out some classical as well as more modern pieces of music. So, if I was a primary school English teacher, I would definitely consider reading this work with my students.

[Tessa Wooldridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wolfgang Amadeus Mouse, ‘Wolf’ for short, is the youngest and smallest in a litter of thirteen. He is teased relentlessly by his siblings but, eventually, they all depart, leaving Wolf and his mother at home in peace.

Little do his brothers and sisters know that Wolf, like his namesake, has a special gift.

Wolf lives in a house with Mrs Honeybee, a lady who plays the piano. Wolf loves to listen. And even when Mrs Honeybee is not playing, Wolf can the music in his head. One day, he decides to try singing. He throws back his head, opens his mouth and ‘a high clear lovely little voice’ produces a melody ‘to perfection’.

Mrs Honeybee eventually discovers that ‘the world’s first singing mouse’ resides with her and the two develop a charming rapport.

Naturally, there are moments of danger for such a mouse (the household cat, for one thing) and moments of heroism (when Wolf cleverly alerts a local police officer to Mrs Honeybee’s accident).

In the end, Wolf’s talents develop just as Mozart’s did – he becomes a composer.

A Mouse Called Wolf was written by much-loved English author Dick King-Smith, creator of The Sheep Pig (the basis for the 1995 screen adaptation Babe).

3.5★