The Barking Mouse

by Antonio Sacre

Mamá, Papá, Sister, and Brother Ratón go for a picnic on a beautiful day. After a delicious lunch, Mamá and Papá smooch--eeewww!--and Brother and Sister must find something to do. And what could be more fun than teasing the cat behind the fence?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Antonio Sacre born in Boston to a Cuban father and Irish-American mother, is a bilingual storyteller, author, and solo performance artist, based in Los Angeles. He earned a BA in English from Boston College and an MA in Theater Arts from Northwestern University. He has performed at the National Book Festival, at the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center, the National Storytelling Festival, and museums, schools, libraries, and festivals internationally. Called “a charismatic, empathetic presence” by Chicago Tribune, his stories have appeared in numerous magazines, journals, and on National Public Radio.

https://www.facebook.com/AntonioSacre...

Reviews

[Mrs.Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story about a mother who fights for her family in a very cute and interesting way! I also enjoyed the humor: mom and dad "smooching" and dad and brother showing off their muscles. It made for a great, quick read-aloud in class. It also includes a beautiful lesson about bilingualism.

[Alley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard this book at a workshop for Bilingual Story times. I fell in love with it. I read it every chance I get. I can now read it without the book since I know every line. Mr Sacre has provided a story that recognizes the importance of being Bilingual and the benefits it provides in getting you out of the toughest situations.

[Shanna Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hilarious retelling of a Cuban folk tale, which is also told in Uruguay and probably in other countries. It's prefaced by an author's note telling about his boyhood as the child of Cuban immigrants, and how his grandmother, on learning that he'd abandoned Spanish as a teen, "got so mad threw food at me until I learned it again."

The simple story, brightly illustrated, is of a cheerfully affectionate family who goes on a picnic. Due to the rather foolish antagonism of the children, a cat comes to threaten the excursion and attempts to eat the mice. The action comes to a climax when the cat is about to eat the entire family, and is resolved (I won't quite spoil the ending) when one of them threatens the cat in an unusual way.

The book is lightly salted with Spanish phrases (a brief glossary is helpfully provided.) It is a lighthearted yet sincere tribute to bilingualism, and the family's unity and affection (notwithstanding the cowardice of certain members in hiding behind Mother) is delicious.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mamá, Papá, Sister, and Brother Ratón go for a picnic on a beautiful day. After a delicious lunch of medianoches and lemonade, Mamá and Papá smooch—eeewww!—and Brother and Sister must find something to do. And what could be more fun than teasing the cat behind the fence? But the fence isn't as high as they think! Faster than they can say, "Adios, Gato!" Brother and Sister are racing back to Mamá and Papá with the cat in pursuit. The brave Ratón family knows what to do—hide behind Mamá! But what will Mamá do?

[Smileysandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antonio Sacre actually came to one of my elementary classes to read us this book. I don't know what else to say, aside from the fact that this story will always be one of my favorites. The way he tells the story is absolutely perfect, and I know for a fact that I will recommend this book for any age, although this story is very child-like, but the lesson is basically for everyone; It teaches the importance of being able to speak more than one language and family. Absolute perfection in general.

[Jim Erekson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a laugh-out-loud book for Pearl when she was about 4. She really thought it was funny when the dad was all bravado and saying 'pow, pow, pow, pow' and that the mom and dad were always trying to smooch. It's the little character things!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a little kids picture book. I only have it/read it because the author was at my library in, I think, november.

[Tera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of smooching...cute!

[Courtney Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story!

[Diane J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this book is fuuny when mama scrames like a dog

[Ana B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book becuase it was a graet book and Antonio Sacre did a great job in his books.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es importante hablar dos idiomas!

[Salsabrarian]

During a family picnic, Sister and Brother Raton find themselves chased by a cat after they tease it and it's up to bilingual Mama Raton who can bark like a dog to save the family.

[Janai A · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think the story is very cool and very funny