Ein Zuhause für Mona Maus

Heartwood Hotel #1

by Kallie George, Stephanie Graegin (Illustrator), Karolin Viseneber (Translator)

Mitten im schlimmsten Sturm stolpert Mona, die Maus, in die wunderbare Welt des kleinen Waldhotels. Sie hat großes Glück und kann als Zimmermädchen anfangen – und bleiben! Doch das Leben besteht nicht nur aus Eichelsoufflé und moosweichen Betten: Das Hotel und seine Bewohner sind in größter Gefahr! Bären und Wölfe haben das geheime Hotel entdeckt. Mona muss all ihren Einfallsreichtum beweisen, um den Ort zu beschützen, den sie liebt. Denn das Hotel ist mehr als eine warme Unterkunft für die Nacht: Es ist ein Zuhause.
Ein herzerwärmendes Abenteuer um Freundschaft, Mut und das Glück, seinen Platz im Leben zu finden!

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

192 pages, Hardcover

First published July 3, 2017

About the author

I’m an author, editor, and speaker living in Vancouver, BC, near the sea. When I’m not writing or editing, I’m teaching creative writing workshops.

I have my Masters of Children's Literature from the University of British Columbia.

I love picture books, fairy tales, beautiful art and music, and baking cookies.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A darling little story! Charming. Cozy. Dare I say, cuddly? Yet, it has some bite. You see, the story follows mostly the small creatures of the forest and, as such, many either live in fear of the carnivores or have already had frightening encounters with them. The synopsis and the adorable illustrations made me think this might be a pretty tame story (and overall it certainly is!) but if you have sensitive children do be aware that a few of the main characters have lost family members in tragic circumstances (in the past, and off page) and and that the wolves are the "bad guys" here (again!? sigh. I mean, I do get that wolves are the foes of the little creatures of the forest, I just wish they weren't always the villains! I'll put examples below.)

But, overall, it's a very sweet story about friendship, bravery and belonging. Mona is courageous and kind, and a charming protagonist. I adore the idea of a hotel in the woods run by and for the little creatures of the forest. It's so cute! Beds filled with cattail fluff, acorn hats brimming with soup--if you love little whimsical miniature worlds and nature, you'll probably love the story. I think Kallie George has a way with words and manages to tell a story that feels full in a short amount of ink. I will continue with the series.

Some examples of the wolves:
"Mmmm. I like the hearts. They're tastiest" one wolf remarks, thinking of a future feast.

The wolf pack is described as follows:
"It was a whole pack of them. Some pacing, some lying down, licking their paws. Moonlight glanced off sharp teeth and eyes yellow like fire. She could see the one -- Gnarl -- who was wearing the moles' badge. It was hanging around his neck from a ribbon that was tattered and maybe a little bloody."

[♡ Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Das war so zuckersüß! Es geht um Mona Maus, die ganz alleine unterwegs ist, nur mit einem kleinen Koffer, den sie von ihren Eltern hat. Sie findet Unterschlupf im gemütlichen Waldhotel und darf dort bleiben und als Zimmermädchen arbeiten. Sie findet Freunde und eine neue Heimat, doch das kleine Waldhotel wird bedroht. Bären und Wölfe kommen immer näher...
💕 Einfach nur bezaubernd! Die Geschichte ist so liebevoll und warmherzig erzählt und vermittelt gute Werte. Es ist der erste Band, was mich besonders freut, so dass ich bald weiterlesen kann!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to my 8 year old daughter and she enjoyed it. I thought it was pretty good too. The characters are really cute and the story is engaging. It seems to me to be more geared towards girls, but I think any child would enjoy it.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwood Hotel, Heartwood Hotel,
Where feathered and furred together can dwell.

George offers up a sweet tale about a little mouse who's searching for a home.
Luckily, she stumbled upon a wonderful hotel for animals.
Has she found a home at last?



This is the first volume in what appears will be a delightful series.

[Kate Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just might be the cutest, coziest thing. 🧡 I know I would have been obsessed with it as a kid.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

My children all squeal 5 stars 🌟 and tell me I just have to get the next book. Thanks again to a last-minute add to Sonlight Curriculum Kindergarten read alouds, I think. We entered into the world of Heartwood Hotel. Personally, I love the little mystery and intrigue of our heroine mouse's parents. This is a beautiful little book with adorable furry illustrations, a big bad wolf, and so many lessons to learn and discuss. We bought this as an add-on and didn't have Sonlight material to cover it but I can imagine topics for discussion. The inclusion of all creatures furry, fuzzy, with feathers or six-legs. Then of course, the female heroine who is small of stature herself. I really did enjoy this book and even my Kinder could have read it alone but we all enjoyed it from 11 to babe. I own a paperback copy that Santa helped us acquire in 2020.

[Laura Robinson (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book to my 4 year old son as a read aloud. It was absolutely precious. I loved the pictures in the pages for each chapter & loved the meaning of the story!

[Whitney Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my 7-year-old daughter, and it was adorable! We loved this one. Animals living together in a hotel in the woods, what could be cuter? It is very clean, no nasty language or potty jokes and is appropriate for elementary school aged kids.

[FräuleinHallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

So ein schöner Flohmarktfund <3 Das Buch ist so lebendig mit tollen Tiercharakteren und einer wirklich schönen kleinen Geschichte! Ich freu mich schon auf die kommende Bände!

[Suranjana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this a long time ago but couldn't update on Goodreads. I loved this book. Anytime I am stressed my hands or rather eyes pick children's fiction. The life affirming qualities of a middle grade book always fill me with enthusiasm and hopefulness.
Mona the mouse actually resembled me more than I wanted to. I mean, I am 29... But a search for home, the search for a place, a community where you truly belong to, where you're valued and loved and appreciated is a personal quest and an universal longing. The book has a lot of quite adult issues inspite of being cute and simple. The happy ending boosted my own faith. I am reading all the next books in this series. I deeply value such uncomplicated joy that this book brought to me.

[Anna Landon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun cozy read. The story is simple enough that my 3 and 4 year old were able to completely comprehend it yet gripping enough they kept asking to read more. I think we read it in 3 or 4 sittings. The characters are lovable and interesting. The setting is magical. And there’s enough danger to keep you reading but not too scary for my nightmare prone girls.

[Steffi Ristic · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Das kleine Waldhotel - Ein Zuhause für Mona Maus" von Kallie George ist eine herzliche und liebevoll illustrierte Geschichte, die junge Leser in die zauberhafte Welt eines Waldhotels entführt. Die Protagonistin Mona Maus hat eine besondere Gabe: Sie ist äußerst freundlich und hilfsbereit, was ihr hilft, sowohl neue Freunde zu gewinnen als auch Herausforderungen zu meistern.

Die Handlung folgt Monas Abenteuern, während sie Gästen des Hotels beisteht und ihre eigenen Ängste überwindet. Die Botschaft über Freundschaft, Gemeinschaft und das Finden des eigenen Platzes in der Welt wird charmant vermittelt. Der Schreibstil ist einfach und einladend, ideal für junge Leser.

Eine herzerwärmende Geschichte über Freundschaft und Zugehörigkeit.

[Sarie Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful sweet little book! I read this on my kindle, however I think I'll buy the physical books because the illustrations are so cute and I want that full experience of seeing them on the page! This book is of course quite predictable but that didn't in any way take away my enjoyment of this sweet found family story.

[Just Commonly · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sleep in safety, eat in earnest, and be happy at Heartwood." (15)

What a sweet and adorable story Heartwood Hotel: A True Home by Kallie George is!! The illustrations by Stephanie Graegin adds a bit to the story in a visual way for young readers. A story of courage and the true meaning of home, it will be a favorite for kids young and old.

I'm not typically big on stories with mice or insects, but Mona the Mouse is sweet, cute, and have a quiet strength that inspires readers to look beyond the physical, but see the person inside. Simple, yet profound topics such as jealousy and prejudice comes into play and is a great lesson for readers to pick up on, and possibly self-evaluate or even just to understand.

"We live by PROTECT and RESPECT, not by TOOTH and CLAW." (11)

I've been a fan of Kallie George's since the Magical Animal Adoption Agency and I think this new series, Heartwood Hotel will be another favorite.


This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars
I was going to read this in the autumn time (which is seriously a perfect time to read it), but my family chose to read this at the dinner table. While this may be aimed for young kids, I think this is enjoyable for all people. It is encouraging and really such a wholesome little story.

Mona is a mouse. She doesn't have anywhere to go, and a storm has come to ruin her home. All she has is a suitcase that belonged to her parents. She doesn't even really remember them. She is timid and scared of a lot of things. She finds a tree that is really a hotel for critters. She goes in and is able to work for them, but Tilly, a squirrel, seems to not like her and it makes life difficult while there.

Mona starts to get to know the creatures around her and is kindhearted towards them. Sometimes she does things that perhaps go against the rules, but she is thinking about being helpful. In the end she begins to grow in bravery. She approaches those who others might fear. She goes out of her way to protect and find safety for her friends. Ultimately, she finds a home.

I'll definitely be continuing in reading this series to my family! We all really loved it so much.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After many other things I've read, it was a nice change of pace to read something designed more for primary grades that included kindness without hitting you over the head with it. I could imagine this making a great read aloud and giving students the option to make their own illustrations.

[Kelvino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute ol kids book from toys r us. Been needing breaks from info heavy books. Cute book overall :) I’ll probably forget it in like a day though but I had fun so whatever

[A Creative Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5⭐)

Cuteness overload avec ce premier tome de la saga Hôtel Heartwood 🥺 C'était tout ce que j'en attendais et plus encore !
Mignon, avec de jolis messages, des illustrations super cute et des animaux qu'on aimerait fréquenter chaque jour. J'adorerais visiter cet hôtel pas comme les autres 😍
C'était parfait comme petite lecture de transition entre automne et hiver, on commence en automne et on finit par la première chute de neige 👌🏻❄️

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ This was such a cute, sweet story. Loved all the woodland creatures and the setting. 🍂 I read this aloud to my boys, and they really enjoyed it. (I even did voices to get them more into it 😆) Excited to read book 2. Thanks for the rec, Kali!

[Bookbringer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very cute. I would have loved this as a child. Only reason for the 2☆-rating is because I'm not its target audience and just couldn't feel a "wow" as an adult. But it's a great children's story.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and heartwarming book

[Kassie Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable little story!
I look forward to reading this to my children someday! 🥹

[Yusra ❥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for those who love brambly hedge but crave slightly longer stories. I would love to some day in the future read these books to either my children or students <3

[Kelsee Thaten · Rating 5 out of 5]

“i give it SIX stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️” - theo, age 4.5

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m appreciating this clean, heartwarming series for young readers. 👏

[Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read-aloud with 3yo & 5yo girls.
When you're reading a book to your kids and after each chapter closes they ask, "Read another one? Pleeeeeeease!", you know it's a good story.
My girls just fell in love with the warm and tender setting of the Heartwood Hotel that introduced to them vibrant and funny characters. From the rhyming Mr. Heartwood (badger), to the grumpy Tilly (red squirrel) to the surprisingly lovable (Bear). I love to find a children's novel features character depth and complexity like this one.
The story showcases the beauty of family and the joyful comfort of home, even if found in unusual ways.

[Amy Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 stars from me, 5 stars from my 6 year old daughter. Very sweet and cozy story, and I really enjoyed the angle of a hotel for animals in the forest.

[Lee Födi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I was privileged to be a part of the journey as this book—and this world—came to life in the imagination of author Kallie George. I was lucky enough to read various drafts of the plots and stories along the way.

When Kallie first told me about her idea, I instantly thought of one of my favorite childhood series, The Bedtime Story-Books by Thornton W. Burgess. As a child, I loved entering a world where animals were highly anthropomorphized, but still inhabited a world with all the natural dangers of the forest.

Kallie George’s new Heartwood Hotel series is much the same. She has teased whimsical personalities from the natural characteristics of her animals and constructed a world where there is delight—and danger—around every bend in the forest trail.

In particular, I really adore the Kallie's ability to turn a phrase, or to tease magic out of each sentence, giving the book a classical feel. This book makes a great read aloud!

[papilionna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nachdem ihr Haus in einem schrecklichen Sturm weggespült wurde, findet die kleine Maus Mona Zuflucht im Waldhotel - einem Ort, an dem alle friedlichen Tiere willkommen sind und beschützt werden. Dort wird sie als Zimmermädchen angestellt und findet Freunde in kleinen und großen Tieren. Aber nicht alle Waldbewohner sind friedlich und einige planen, das Waldhotel zu überfallen.

Ein ganz zauberhaftes, herzerwärmendes Buch mit wunderschönen Illustrationen, das sich hervorragend zum Vorlesen eignet.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite possibly the cutest and most heartwarming book I have ever read. And the illustrations are absolutely adorable. I ordered the paperbacks on Amazon and I can’t wait to get started on the next one.