Mouse Pet

by Philip Roy, Andrea Torrey Balsara (Illustrations)

Fiction. Children's Literature. Illustrated by Andrea Torrey Balsara. MOUSE PET is the third tale in the endearing new picture book series, "Happy the Pocket Mouse." When Happy declares he wants a pet to pat and feed and take for walks his friend John says that it's too much responsibility, that a pet needs lots of care and special attention. Not a mouse to give up easily, Happy insists that his pet will be no more trouble than Mrs. Farrell's canary. But when Happy's choice of pet turns out to have long furry legs, hooves and horns, John explains that you can't keep that kind of animal in the city. Happy insists that they can just hide it under a blanket. Offering a compromise, John suggests a "teddy- pet," to which, after some reflection, Happy agrees. After bringing his new pet home and settling in happily for the night, Happy suddenly declares that his pet requires a pet of her own. What sort of pet? John asks. Just a small one, Happy assures him, with shiny black fur and a pretty white stripe."

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2015

About the author

Philip Roy writes children’s books and Middle Reader/YA novels of adventure and historical fiction that invite young readers of all ages to consider the variety, vastness, and fascination of the world around us. Philip is especially committed to writing works of fiction that are devoted to social, global and environmental issues. Visiting schools is Philip’s favourite part of being a writer.

Philip studied Music and History before choosing a career in writing. Born by the sea in Nova Scotia, Philip has traveled extensively for research on his award-winning Submarine Outlaw/Un rebelle en sous-marin adventure series. Philip has also penned two historical novels including Me & Mr. Bell, (nominated for the Silver Birch, Geoffrey Bilson, Hackmatack and CLA awards), as well as Blood Brothers in Louisbourg, (long-listed for First Nations Communities Read.) Kirkus Reviews has called Philip’s 2017 Middle Reader, The Kingdom of No Worries, “a parable for our time.”

A prolific creator of children’s picture books, Philip’s has written 30 stories for the Happy the Pocket Mouse/Youpi series, 4 of which have been published, (illustrated by Andrea Torrey Balsara): Mouse Tales/Les contes de Youpi, Jellybean Mouse/Youpi et ses bonbons, Mouse Pet/Un ami pour Youpi, and Mouse Vacation/Youpi en vacances. The fifth picture book in the Happy/Youpi series, A Happy Halloween, will be published in 2021 under the artistic auspices of a new illustrator, Ms. Lisa Ferguson.

Philip and his family, (including their all-white cat, Ollie, named after Dickens’ Oliver in Oliver Twist), live in Brockville, Ontario, where Philip continues to write novels and compose music.

If you are interested in scheduling Philip for a presentation, please contact Leila Merl at leilamerl28@gmail.com and see our “Author Visits” page via http://philiproy.ca. You can also call Leila at 613-499-9485.

Awards and Nominations:

Red Cedar Book Award Nominee 2017

Communication-Jeunesse Nominee 2014-2015

Moonbeam Silver Medal for Young Adult Fiction 2015

Silver Birch Award in the Forest of Reading Nominee (OLA) 2015

Canadian Library Association Book of the Year for Children Award Nominee 2014

Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People Nominee (CCBC) 2014

Selected for the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books for Kids and Teens 2008, 2010-2014

Short-listed: Hackmatack Children’s Choice Award, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014-2015

Long-listed: First Nation Communities Read 2013-2014

Resource Links: “The Year’s Best 2013.”

Runner-Up: New England Book Festival 2012

Runner-Up: Green Book Festival (San Francisco) 2012

Red Maple Award in the Forest of Reading Nominee (OLA) 2010

Silver Medal: ForeWord’s Best Book of the Year Award 2009

Langley Book of the Year Award Nominee 2009

Short-listed: Ann Connor Brimer Award 2009

Short-listed: Diamond Willow Award 2009

Short-listed: Rocky Mountain Book Award 2009

First Prize: Atlantic Writing Competition 2007

PUBLICATIONS:
Philip Roy has published 15 books in English thus far, including 11 Middle/YA Readers, and 4 children’s picture books. Nearly half of Philip’s books have been translated into French, (and there are more on the way!) All of Philip's books can be viewed via his website, http://philiproy.ca/books/, where you can read synopses, and find first chapter links for his novels. Sample illustrations for his Happy the Pocket Mouse picture book series can also be viewed via http://philiproy.ca/happy-the-pocket-....
For more information about Philip, visit: http://philiproy.ca.

Reviews

[Karen Upper · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mouse Pet" just released by ROnsdale Press, has the dynamic duo of celebrated author, Philip Roy and wonderful illustrator, Andrea Torrey Balsara teaming up once again in another Happy the Pocket Mouse adventure! The exquisite expressive renderings enhance the Happy's search for a pet of his very own. Happy's reaction to the playful explanation of a 'farm zoo' has made many listeners giggle out loud! The ooohs and ahhhs coming from readers and listeners alike are sure signs that this adventure of Happy the Pocket Mouse will be held close to heart for a long time to come!
Highly recommended read aloud!!

[Karyn Huenemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a long time since a picture book has made me laugh. I'll be reviewing Mouse Pet on my blog soon, but thought I'd just give it a recommendation here. Mr. Roy has REALLY nailed the young child voice. I swear I had this conversation with each of my children, and tried hard not to giggle at the time. Brilliant!