Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris

The Claris Collection #1

by Megan Hess

An infectious rhyming tale about courage, compassion and a stylish little mouse, from international fashion illustrator Megan Hess.

Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris follows an adorable mouse who dreams of moving to Paris to follow her fashion dreams. One day, she bravely takes the leap – only to find a mean little girl with a horrible-looking cat standing in the way of her perfect Parisian apartment! Can Claris use all her wit, warmth and – of course – style to make her dreams come true?

Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris is the first picture book in a dazzling new series for lovers of Eloise and Olivia. Destined to delight fashion-obsessed readers of all ages!

Genres: Picture Books, Fashion, France, Childrens, Animals, Adventure, Friendship

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Megan Hess was destined to draw.

An initial career in graphic design evolved into art direction for some of the world’s leading design agencies. In 2008 Hess illustrated the New York Times number one selling book Sex And The City - written by Candace Bushnell. She has since illustrated portraits for Vanity Fair and Time, created iconic accessories for Henri Bendel and illustrated the windows of Bergdorf Goodman in New York.

Hess’s signature style can also be found on her bespoke range of silk scarves, cushions and Limited Edition prints sold around the globe.

She has written and illustrated 3 best selling books: Fashion House, The Dress and Coco Chanel.

Her renowned clients include: Prada, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Fendi, Ladurée, Givenchy, Wedgwood, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michelle Obama, Cartier, Laduree, Montblanc, Balenciaga, Guerlain, Paspaley, Tag Heuer, and Disney.

Reviews

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Claris hugged her new friend and she said, "I believe
you should always be brave and help someone in need.
Because nothing's more stylish in life than compassion -
it matches so well with a good dash of fashion!"

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Très chic :D

[Jenna D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book, inside and out! And that’s the whole purpose of the story, which teaches readers - both young and old - about going for our dreams, having compassion and finding friends in the most unexpected places is always a possibility! (I love telling my customers that there’s a “surprise twist” near the end of the book!) I cannot wait for more about Claris’ adventures in Paris!

Hands down, this is my favorite picture book of 2018.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Claris the mouse loves fashion, and dreams of traveling to Paris in order to pursue her passion in this rhyming picture-book romp. Ignoring the indifference of her fellow mice, she hitches a ride on a hot-air balloon piloted by two stylish frogs, and soon finds herself in the fashion capital of the world. Here she discovers the perfect living space, only to find out it is inhabited by a dreadful little girl and her terrible cat. Is it the end of the dream? Or will kindhearted Claris find a way to make things work...?

The debut children's book from fashion illustrator Megan Hess, who has apparently worked for high-fashion brands such as Chanel and Dior, Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris pairs an entertaining tale told in rhyme with fun, colorful artwork. There were times when the text felt a little forced, with rhymes the seemed a bit shoe-horned in - "But worse than the daughter was what she was holding: / a frightening grey cat with a face that was scolding" - but for the most part it read well. The artwork was appealing, although I definitely prefer Hess' depiction of her animal characters, to her human ones. All in all, a sweet little tale, one I would recommend to those readers looking for picture-books featuring fashion and/or Paris.

[Harlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claris is so cute!

[Sophie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew that I would love this book as soon as I laid eyes on it. Megan Hess's illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful and the story she details is so magical. Hess' protagonist, Claris, is an ambitious mouse who makes her own dresses, adores couture and dreams of moving to Paris to pursue a career in fashion. Along the way she comes into conflict with a spoilt penthouse princess and a menacing cat, but will they stand in the way of her dreams? ☁️🎀🗼

Aside from the enchanting story, the main feature that drew me to purchasing this book was the cover art. From the delicate etchings and gold dusted detailing on the edge of each page, to the intricate watercolour illustrations of Parisian landscapes, golden soufflé hot air balloons and fairytale ballgowns, this book is an absolute treasure! 💕✨🇫🇷

The 'Angelina Ballerina' series of books was my favourite as a child and, in many ways, I feel like Megan’s book is this generations leap into a dream similar to Angelina’s; reminding little ones that to dare to dream, at any age, is a wonderful thing 🌸🐭

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the fashion infused illustrations, but the story had some significant plot holes.

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

Claris dreams about moving to Paris, and she takes a leap of faith to make her dreams come true. She meets a mean cat in Paris, and has to use all her fashion wiles and personal compassion to win the day.

I just adore Claris! She is such a sweet and lovely little mouse. I love stories about mice anyway, but this little mouse takes the cake. I love all her pretty clothes. She is the epitome of elegance and refinement, but with a heart of compassion and humility.

The text is in rhyme, and it works pretty well. The rhymes aren't always the best, but they are fine. The rhythm of each line doesn't always exactly match, but it was okay. It's not Milton or Shakespeare, but it does a good job of telling the story. (I have a pet peeve with children's books being written in bad poetry, so I'm overly critical of this aspect of the writing. Other people would probably not notice it at all.)

I loved the beautiful illustrations in this book! The colors are bright, and the lines are delicate. I love all the pretty fashion designs!

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Zima Rozalli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been envious of a little mouse in EVER! Claris The Chicest Mouse in Paris by Megan Hess is such a delight to read. This little mouse has the best wardrobe and handbags ranging from Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Céline, Cartier, and the mother of all luxury houses, Hermès!

But despite the luxuries, she is kind, considerate and caring. And she is brave and courageous especially to chase her dreams and to help others in need. All in style too! Absolutely love the rhyming story and beautiful illustrations.

An absolute pleasure to read out loud for the little fashionistas in your household.

[Brooke(worm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cute rhyming story, and as usual, the illustrations were sublime.

The story is all about Claris, who is a quite little mouse who lives on the outskirts of Paris but always dreams of living in the big city, surrounded by beautiful things. Then one day, two very chic frogs whisk her away to the heart of Paris. Claris quickly has to adapt to all the new aspects of her new life and find a place to live. She befriends a cat who helps her make a life for herself, and even helps her with her fashion aspirations (and let me tell you, she's a talented little mouse).

Honestly, this book is a little girls dream. Well it would have been mine as a child anyway. One of my favourite books of all time was about a Mouse called Katie who used to run around in the forest and play dress up in the autumn leaves. I like to think that Katie Mouse would have grown into a Mouse like Claris, moving from leaf couture, to actual couture.

This is Megan Hess' first children's book, and I don't think she'll disappoint if your a parent buying for a child. I bought this just because I love her illustrations, and Hess certainly didn't disappoint me.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is beautifully illustrated and a treat for little girls who love anything pink and anything to do with fashion, however I am in two minds about the message it puts across. (I know, I'm always gray). I think it's great in showing little girls what they can become if they aspire to live out their dreams but on the other side, I don't know if it puts across a very wholesome message. I have seen how the book has been marketed with parties and clothes and toys and it appeals more to kids from wealthier backgrounds than others. Adding to that, do children need to worry about wearing designer clothes at such a young age? ...I'm mixed.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a visually stunning book in a whimsically childish way but the plot and rhyme scheme made me cringe a little bit at the thought of gifting it. I'm a BIG fan of Megan Hess' work so I have had this on my wish list since she posted about it on Instagram. My niece is about to turn 5 so I finally had the perfect reason (read: excuse) to buy it for my unicorn, purse, and tutu loving mini girlfriend. In reading it just now, I'm glad I strictly bought it for the fashion. Some of the rhymes are a big stretch and the plot feels very uneventful and uninspiring. I was hoping Claris would explore more beautiful sights in Paris and change into at least 3 other adorable outfits, sadly that was not the case. Ultimately I think the book is cute for tiny fashion lovers and or kids who are just learning how to read, if neither of those applies to your gift recipient then I would recommend choosing something that's more entertaining.

P.S. If Megan Hess does continue this series with Claris (which I hope she does), I would recommend creating a plot that's more exciting than 3 pages of suspense and I would recommend visually connecting for readers that Claris creates her clothes.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeous picture book caught my eye in the bookstore immediately—a fashionable little mouse named Claris—in Paris, what could be cuter? The illustrations are absolutely stunning from start to finish, coupled with a sweet rhyming tale of a courageous mouse fashionista who shows compassion and kindness to a long-suffering cat. This is acclaimed fashion illustrator Megan Hess' first children's book and will appeal to readers young and old with its attention to detail throughout. Fabulous!

[Josie Krysinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris is an adorable book about a Mouse with courage, compassion, and a let's not forget style! This cute book teaches young students that with one brave, yet tough, move can help you accomplish more than you could ever dream. This is another wonderful book, along with the many other Claris books, that should be added into my classroom collection.

[Amanda Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm landing on 3 stars with this one because it got on my last nerve, but my 5 year old daughter loved it. The illustrations are beautiful and engaging. The story has potential. But it should not have been written in rhyme! Why do people do that?? It's not something you can force, but this one has been forced. And it's painful.

[df parizeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute kids book with a lesson that isn't too overwrought or saccharine. Maybe a tad superficial due to the fashion heavy content, but one might expect this coming from an author who is a fashion designer themselves.

[Freddie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this book is divine. From the gorgeous detail in the illustrations, the stunning end-papers, the gold-tipped pages, the high-fashion worship and heartwarming story, it all just lights me up.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

So the rhyme and rhythm are a little clunky, but how can this Francophile resist a picture book about a fashionable mouse living in Paris? She even makes friends with a cat! I look forward to reading this with my fashionista niece.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not crazy about these books, personally, but I've recommended them successfully to so many girly girls over the past 5 or 6 years that I have to give it at least five stars.

A great book for Fancy Nancy fans.

[Donna G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this book with my daughter several times, and we both marvelled over the stunning illustrations. The story itself is very simplified, but that adds to the charm and makes it ideal for children.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My almost 5 year old loved this book. It’s very pretty. The pages have gold edges and there’s lots of fashion to admire throughout the book. It’s told in verses and flows really well. It’s a cute story about a mouse that’s into fashion and ends up befriending a cat who gives her doll clothes.

[Jimmy Gresham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as thought provoking as many readers have suggested, but interesting enough

The pig wants a leather suit, are they committing murder and Ed Gein-esque acts making clothes out of their fellow animal cow friends?!?!

[serena 🎞️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

unfortunately i did not read claris in paris. i did however read an unfortunate amount of fanfiction, most of which also took place in paris. so fuck goodreads fanfiction can be published i’m reaching my goal

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A treat for little fashionistas!

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated children's book. It definitely brought back all my childhood/teenage dreams of running off to Paris.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so pretty!!!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read while in London (of all places to read about a mouse in Paris) in the Harrods bookstore. Cute little rhyming storybook.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo sweet.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So beautiful!!!

[Christine (Tina) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations, concept, and gold-tipped pages are gorgeous! However, unfortunately, can't award the 5🌟 because the rhyme scheme is forced. Still lovely💖🌹