The Tiny Mouse

by Janis Ian, Ingrid & Dieter Schubert (Illustrator)

A songwriter since she wrote ""Society's Child"" at the age of 14 and a Grammy winner for ""At Seventeen,"" Janis Ian's charming and witty song has now become a picture book illustrated by Ingrid and Dieter Schubert.

Janis wrote The Tiny Mouse for The Boat Project – a collaborative endeavor for which people donated wood, stories and songs that were made into a fantastical thirty-foot vessel that was part of the London's Olympics.

The Tiny Mouse follows the adventures of a bored mouse who decides to go to sea and narrowly escapes a grisly death. In his moment of truth, he understands that it's better to be a whole mouse at home than someone's dinner at sea. This book and CD set has not only Janis Ian singing ""The Tiny Mouse"" with a full band but also a version without vocals for singalong fun. A complete transcription for piano and guitar is also included.

Ingrid & Dieter Schubert, creators of The Umbrella and many other picture books, give the tiny mouse his dapper and affable appearance and bring his perilous adventures to life with plenty of sly humor.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Music, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

I was was born April 7, 1951, a month and day shared with Billie Holiday. Wrote my first song at 12, was published at 13, made a record at 14, had a hit at 15, and was a has-been at 16. I took a break for 3 years shortly thereafter, and moved to Philadelphia to write and find out if I really could be a great songwriter. "Came back" in 1973 with an album called Stars, and was fortunate enough to have a second career.
I've been lucky enough to have ten Grammy nominations in eight different categories, and two Grammys - most recently for the spoken word edition of my autobiography, "Society's Child".

I love writing - articles, speeches, stories, songs, books. I love reading. For years, my fans brought me used books on tour in lieu of flowers or jewelry. I'm 74 now, and thinking about "retirement", trying to call it "transitioning" instead. Less time a2ay from home, more time to write.

If you want to reach me please email through the contacts page of my website (below). I don't check email on Goodreads very often!
Thanks for reading.
Janis

Reviews

[Emily Metroka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the more bizarre stories I've read lately. The rhythm was totally off in my head, and I couldn't get a feel for the story because it was so off the wall. BUT THEN! I listened to the CD that came with the book, and it all made sense! So much better with the music. Now I'm going to have the tune in my head all day. It's very learnable too so I feel like I could even do this story by singing it in storytime. It really does need the tune though.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful song by Grammy-award winner Janis Ian is matched with equally delightful illustrations by the great husband-wife team, Ingrid & Dieter Schubert. The book includes the score and a CD featuring a version of Ian singing the song and an instrumental version kids can sing to.

[Rebecca Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is probably best when sung, but since I can't read sheet music I'm going to have to look it up online. The story was cute, though weird. I liked all the British slang and the twist inside the ship. It was purposefully ridiculous and the art matched.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this book at the local library I jumped up and down like a small child excited to see a coveted toy residing on the store shelf. Janis Ian is an amazing singer and songwriter who I have only discovered in the last few years and LOVE everything I have heard. Not only is The Tiny Mouse a fantastic story of adventure, near catastrophes, and self-discovery, it comes with a disc of wonderful musical narration by Janis Ian herself!! She included three tracks: one with a full band, an instrumental version, and one with only the vocal and the guitar. I think I could read/listen to this book every morning with my daughter. LOVE IT!! Can’t wait to buy a copy for myself.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiny Mouse is so bored. He decides he needs and adventure. And he gets one. He sneaks on-board a ship about to set sail. He soon realizes he is not meant for the sea life when he gets terribly seasick. Others problems are in store for our Tiny Mouse. Will he find a way out of all this? For a special treat, listen to Janis Ian singing the story of Tiny Mouse. A CD is included.

I was lucky enough to see Janis Ian performing this live. What a show! She said that teachers are free to use this music and have the kids write their own songs. There is a track on the CD with just the music.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled with the poetry while reading the story. I wanted the complete thought on each page instead of needing to turn the page for the rhyme to end. The illustrations were wonderful and the very last page with tiny mouse, his wife and his many, many children was adorable.

[Jodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would have liked to hear the song from the CD, but it was missing from the book. Rhyming song about a mouse who goes on an adventure.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The jaunty illustrations match the bright and lively tune perfectly.

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was three stars but then I listened to the song! Great song so I bumped it up to 4.

[Marg Corjay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story, amazingly detailed illustrations that lend themselves to prolonged study. Catchy sing-alond CD lets everyone enjoy it again and again.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meant to be sung, like a sea shanty I believe. Cute.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adventure story with so many engaging layers, The Tiny Mouse is a picture book, with a song and sing along CD. The delightful, detailed illustrations full of vibrant colour, movement and pathos by Ingrid and Dieter Schubert add depth and excitement to the story. If this were not enough, included is a CD with Ian singing the text of the book. Following her song is an instrumental track so you can attempt the quick and quirky song yourself with your toddler, which is a must for every child and parent as it draws the singer into the story in a way that merely reading the text cannot.
Enter into this escapade and enjoy!

[Belinda Vlasbaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 sterren - Nederlandse hardcover

Werd een aantal weken het "pot-boek": met plezier ging mijn kleinzoon op de pot om samen (een paar keer achter elkaar) het verhaal te lezen en te zingen.

Toen we het lied uit ons hoofd kenden, zongen we het ook op de scootmobiel. Luidkeels! Van dit type meezingboeken zou ik er wel meer willen hebben...

Alleen jammer dat je bij twee bladzijden heel snel door moet bladeren omdat er maar één regel tekst op de prachtig getekende pagina staat.

[Misbah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An illustrated version of the song. I dont think I've heard it before but it was inspirational. I enjoyed the tiny mouse's adventure.
May reread it while listening to the song, didn't get the chance last time.

[Shiloah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very strange

[Biebjuf Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastisch boek om voor te lezen aan onderbouwers. Voor engelse klassen kun je het ook nog in het engels doen! Super.

[Darlene Vendegna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story told in rhyme about an adventurous mouse. Set it to music and have the author Janis Ian sing it and you are in for a treat. Luckily it comes with a CD of that very thing. My nephews and niece loved it and so did I