King Mouse

by Cary Fagan, Dena Seiferling (Illustrator)

King Mouse finds his authority in question when his subjects find crowns of their own. A gentle and humorous modern fable about imaginative play and kindness in the tradition of classics like Little Bear and Frog and Toad.

A sweet, thoughtful tale of friendship, sharing and play, King Mouse begins when a mouse comes upon a tiny crown in the grass. The mouse puts the crown on his head, and when a bear subsequently comes upon him and asks if he's king, the mouse responds "Yes."

This diminutive monarch settles into his new role very comfortably . . . until a snake comes upon a crown and claims she is queen. The mouse is not amused, especially when one by one the other animals find crowns and claim they are kings too. But when the bear can't find a crown, King Mouse make a most surprising decision.

This inspired collaboration between an award-winning author and debut picture book illustrator Dena Seiferling is quietly profound in its simplicity and has the feeling of a modern classic.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Friendship, Canada, Fiction, Juvenile

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 24, 2019

About the author

Cary Fagan has written numerous books for children, including What Are You Doing, Benny?, Little Blue Chair and Mr. Zinger's Hat, which was awarded the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and the IODE Jean Throop Award. He has also won the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People for his body of work. Cary was born and raised in Toronto, where he continues to live with his family.

Reviews

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book explores leadership and friendship, with a sweet message about inclusion.

One day, a mouse finds a tiny crown in the grass. He puts it on, and when a bear comes along and asks him if he's a king, he replies in the affirmative. It isn't long before the other animals are finding food for their king and trying to keep him entertained. But then a snake finds another crown and decides she's a queen. And then the other animals find their own crowns, and everyone gets to be a king or queen. Everyone, that is, except for the bear. He can't find a crown, and feels left out... so he wanders off by himself, leaving the others to play their game of royalty. But the mouse finds him, and figures out a way to make him feel better, solidifying their friendship and showing that being king (or queen) isn't the most important thing.

It's a simple story, but I enjoyed it. The illustrations--monochromatic, for the most part; the colour is very subtle--have a gentle look to them. Even the snake is kind of appealing and not very scary (although, I was a bit worried for the mouse when she came on the scene).

This is a sweet little picture book. The soft text and friendly message make me think this would be a great bedtime read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for providing a digital ARC.

[CanadianReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an unusual, rather subtle picture book, which begins with a hungry little mouse finding a crown. He gradually realizes that although it’s inedible, a crown does have its uses. It gains him the respect and services of some of the other forest animals. A bear, a crow, a turtle, and a fox are all eager to feed and entertain him. The mouse quite likes being a king, and it’s an adjustment but still tolerable when a snake also discovers a crown and is hailed as the animals’ queen. But what happens when three other animals discover crowns and consider themselves royalty? And what about the sole animal who does not? It’s no fun reigning when everyone’s a “Royal”, nor is it rewarding serving when you’re the only one doing so. What really makes someone a king in the end anyway: his crown or his actions?

This a quirky, slightly mysterious little picture book. The illustrations are beautiful and old fashioned, delicately done in muted, neutral tones. As the book concludes, a child on a tricycle looms into sight, the crowns apparently abandoned by the animals and left on a tree stump. Was it the child who fashioned and left the crowns for the animals in the first place? I can imagine children I know asking that question and others, as well as attempting to answer the many questions this book raises.

[Mel (Epic Reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has the illustrations and feel of an old children's book. From the pencil drawings with no bright colours to the use of animals as the characters to the simplicity of the moral. It reminded me of stories that starred Peter Rabbit, Mr Toad, and others. So many of those stories were found by me in the 1980's in my Grandmother's farm house. They were on faded pages and had more complex phrases than I might have been used to at age 5; but I loved them all the same. In some ways I think I loved them because they were old and felt special. As much as I love the rainbow, bright, colourful stories of today; there is something about that old school look and feel that I will always be in love with.

The question becomes whether or not children today (in 2019) will find this vintage style story engaging enough. It seems to me that those children that love reading, old things and asking continuous questions are likely to enjoy this one. In fact you might find out if your child is an old soul just by reading them this book. And if they don't like it; then it's perfect for your own bookshelf to be read on those sleepless nights.

I am definitely going to try and find a copy of King Mouse to add it to my visiting children's library/toy box as I would look forward to this simple story (that has a snake in it!! awesome!) and it's gorgeous illustrations every time a child picks it up.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5. The illustrations in this book are marvelous. I really like the sepia tons used and the way they were draw! Unfortunately the story didn't score as high. I was good, even a bit funny, but closing it, it felt a bit empty, like it was lacking something in it to make it worth. Good, but could have been better!

[Steff Fox · Rating 2 out of 5]

| Reader Fox Blog |


In so many ways, I was really left disappointed by King Mouse by Cary Fagan and illustrated by Dena Seiferling. While I can certainly say that I loved the illustrations and was over the moon thrilled to see that there was an absolutely beautiful fox in the story, overall it just didn't really mean anything to me in the end. King Mouse follows a young mouse in the forest who happens upon a crown in the grass and decides to place it upon his head. Ultimately, this leads everyone into the forest to believe that the mouse is now the king as only kings wear crowns. But when other animals begin to find crowns as well and slowly start to put them on their own heads, suddenly the role of the king isn't so luxurious anymore. And King Mouse's once amazing and powerful position no longer represents something that puts him above the rest since now everyone has been elevated along with him.

Honestly, I think this story has a bit of merit in that it portrays a situation that might happen in a make-believe game between children. It very much matches the kind of games where one kid wants to be the best superhero and everyone else goes along with it for a while until finally, all the other kids want to be a superhero, too. But for me, this just doesn't work as a story. It's lackluster and it's not really something I care to read about. And the story doesn't really ever end in a way that leaves me feeling as though it really gives kids any insight for how to respond to situations like that.

Ultimately, I was just incredibly disappointed with the story, with how it ended. I can't imagine myself recommending it or buying it for anyone. Really, the best part about this book truly was the artwork, but even that wasn't enough for me to get much enjoyment out of it. And as far as a message goes, I just feel like it could have been much stronger in the long run, but missed the point by a landslide.

I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the illustrations for this gentle story about friendship and leadership.

[GoldGato · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bunch of little crowns fall off a cart into the forest. Who will find the crowns and put them to use?

A tiny mouse finds a tiny crown.
It’s a perfect fit. He likes being king.
But what if his isn’t the only crown in the forest?

King Mouse finds his needs are met by a Bear, a Crow, a Tortoise, and a Fox. They bow to him, they entertain him, and they even find food for him. After all, King Mouse wears the crown!



But then a Snake comes along and finds another crown to become Queen Snake and the other animals start catering to the Snake’s needs. King Mouse isn’t happy, after all he was the first one to find a crown. But lo! Each animal stumbles upon a crown and they become royalty, too! Except for Bear, who finds himself a misfit. Someone will need to feel wanted and part of the group, but who will truly be the leader and make sure that happens?

I absolutely love picture books with beautiful drawings, so this book made my day. The illustrations by Dena Seiferling are wonderful, especially the little mouse with the little stick legs. The story by Cary Fagan is nice, showing children how to be inclusive to others while being a fun bedtime story. Also, the book is just charming. At the very front of the book is a golden Ex-Libris bookplate, so a child (or adult) can write in their own name or use it to gift the book to someone else. Just loved this book.



As Mel Brooks would say, It’s good to be the King.

Book Season = Autumn (when royalty is made)

[KC · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are outstanding but the story falls short.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free electronic copy of this children's novel from Netgalley, author Cary Fagan and illustrator Dena Seiferling, and Penguin Random House Canada - Tundra Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read King Mouse of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of the work.

King Mouse is an interesting work, encouraging sharing and mutual respect among the characters. The illustrations rendered by debut illustrator Dena Seiferling, are extraordinary. I hope we will see much more of her work. This is an excellent example of the evolution of children's books over the last 50 years.
Pub date Sept 24, 2019
Penguin Random House Canada
Tundra Books
CHANGE TO KINDLE
Reviewed at Goodreads and Netgalley on August 24, 2019. Reviewed on AmazonSmile, Barnes & NOble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay on September 27, 2019.

[Chrystopher’s Archive · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've only recently begun to explore the world of picture books again, and this one did not disappoint. The text and the illustrations complemented each other perfectly, layering the story with nuances that I'm sure children will easily be able to pick up. I'm also sure the book will become one of those favorites that gets read and reread every night, as it is simply gorgeous.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many beautiful picture books published lately! Here's another one!

[Sublime Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating = 4.75
Storyline & Concept = 4.5
Writing & Delivery = 5
Cover Marketability = 4.5
Editorial = 5

King Mouse is a very well-written, longer children’s story about the perception others have of each other, just simply by wearing a faux crown. The vocabulary is excellent, which makes reading with your children a learning experience as well. The harder words for younger children are well-timed; they don’t take away from the story, they only add more mystique and assist the flow. An adult may appreciate the ending more than a child, who may be searching for something simpler… more obvious. This children’s book was reviewed by both an adult and five-year-old jointly, and we both truly enjoyed reading it.

Sublime Line: “Crisp writing, a story that engages and challenges early readers, gorgeous illustrations, and a warming conclusion make this a must-read for all parents and older children.”

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really hope this book makes the Caldecott shortlist because it deserves it. It is beautifully illustrated. And the story is no slouch either. A mouse finds crown in the woods. Others see him wearing it and assume he is the king. But them more and more find crowns. Except for the bear. There is no crown for him. But maybe he will find something even better. The story is wonderful and the illustrations are perfect. Give this book an award already.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will surely become a classic children's read. The illustrations are beautiful just as the lesson learned by the creatures of the forest.

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a top-of-the-shelf book. The illustrations are charming, beautiful, soft, enchanting. The story just reads beautifully. While this is a read-aloud storybook for one to read to a youngster, the reader himself will enjoy the cadence as it seems to roll off one's tongue. It isn't rhyme. It is simply sweet prose.

The story itself is nonsensical in that little crowns simply are not littered about the countryside unless, of course, they are left by someone. But they are there and mouse found one. Hence, he declared himself a king. And of course, big bear bowed down to wee little mouse the king. And on the story goes. But then, another crown is found and so it goes......

In the end, the play time is over, bear is feeling alone, and mouse goes to befriend him as a loyal friend would a disheartened friend.

A lovely book.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a small mouse finds a crown, and while wearing it is treated like a king by the other woodland creatures, until they find crowns of their own to wear, mouse discovers that there is something much more precious than being served by others.

[Gladimore · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a nice story about animals in a forest finding crowns and acting like queens and kings. But I was bored. Felt like there was no point to the story. I was disappointed in this.
#Netgalley

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it beautiful illustrations and story

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written childrens story. Loved the illistrations beautifully done.! the story is about a young mouse that finds a crown and puts it on making himself a king. As the story goes on others also find crowns and take power but the mouses good friend the Bear is left out. the story shows the meaning of true friendship and the choice of empathy over power. A touching story definitley one for the bookshelf to keep.

[Ren ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ IsBuriedInBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

A crown-wearing mouse enjoys the forest animals treating him as royalty, but his delight turns to frustration as the others find crowns of their own.

I enjoyed Cary Fagan’s King Mouse and the other animals’ creative ideas about how to amuse their crowned mouse friend. None of the animals were rejected or turned away from playing together as a group. Intentional exclusion is a trope that, while irrefutably meaningful, feels uninspired and overused. Throughout the book, the charismatic mouse is accompanied by a mellow bear, a purposeful crow, a spirited tortoise, and an enthusiastic fox. The arrival of a crown-wearing snake disrupts their playtime.

Monochromatic illustrations in a book for this age group are hit or miss with me, and Dena Seiferling’s were a hit. Though lightly colored and not truly monochromatic, the fine detail, the animals’ expressions, and scenes of wistful silliness would easily have been equally enchanting.

The story as a whole (spoilers ahead) is enjoyable and worth reading, especially so for animal lovers. I liked the book, but not enough to rush out and buy a copy. It is relevant in that the events that unfolded were not unlike something that could take place among children anywhere. The bear’s inability to find a crown disappoints him, but the mouse’s quick thinking and ingenuity resolves that. While I’d liked to have seen all the animals happily crowned and playing fairly together before the end of the book, I can’t review a part of the story that doesn’t exist. I am contented by the mouse’s benevolence and the friendly camaraderie they share. The bear seems contented too.


Thanks to Tundra Books at Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the provided e-ARC and the opportunity to read this book. My review is honest, unbiased, and voluntary. #NetGalley #KingMouse

[Initial thoughts for classroom: symbolic/pretend play. inclusion. sharing. taking turns. making crowns (art). brainstorming/creating alternate endings (literacy—writing prompts, problem, solution, conclusion).]

[Diane Seiferling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully illustrated by Dena Seiferling. The illustrations add warmth and depth to a story that encourages young readers to value friendship and promotes sharing and empathy. Cary Fagan has once again written a story young readers and their parents will cherish. I hope he continues to utilize the skills and talent of this amazing illustrator.

[Storytime With Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes a king? What makes a queen? According to Cary Fagan a simple crown found in the grass will suffice. In King Mouse Cary Fagan creates a tale destined to be one told again and again. The illustrations by debut illustrator Dena Seiferling are so dreamy evoking thoughts of some of the classic Chris Van Allsburgn stories from my childhood. John Martz so impeccably designed King Mouse to be a book that will hold up against the test of time. As illustrative styles change, this book will stand out with a feel of old and new all at the same time.

A mouse finds a crown in the grass and places it on his head. When other animals ask if he is a king, smartly he responds “Yes!” Since he is king all of the other animals feed him and entertain him until snake finds a crown in the grass as well and becomes queen. Soon all the animals have found crowns and become kings and queens, all except bear. Sadly bear lumbers off because it’s not much fun not being a king. Kindly, mouse sees bear and makes him a lovely crown of dandelions and together they enjoy each other’s company and a beautiful sunset.

One of the lovely things about Cary Fagan‘ s writing is it has an air of folklore to it. When you read one of his picture books you are almost transported to a big cozy chair with a roaring fireplace and a familiar face recounting an adventure. King Mouse is a modern day fable reminding us of the power of the imagination and the comfort of friendship

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a vintage feel to this sweet picture book. A mouse finds a crown and enjoys being treated as royalty by the other animals. He is a bit miffed when a snake finds a crown and then so do others. When the mouse sees that bear is left out, he heads off to offer solace and friendship. It’s this act of kindness and friendship that make the book for me.

[Pete Barell · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

I can see this being a modern classic, honesty, it's that good. This reads like an old fable and has the nuances to boot, keenly touching on themes like pride, envy, selfishness, deception and (in the end) empathy - without being too on-the-nose. The story is about a mouse who finds a crown in the grass and is declared King by the other forest animals. He keeps up the facade... until the title loses its meaning. Paired with great, classical feeling soft illustrations, I really loved this story and I believe it will be on the praise lists of many by the end of the year.

Rating: 4.5/5

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this was cute! I liked this story! A little mouse finds a crown and puts it on, other animals think he's a king and gather food for him and entertain him. Then the animals find more crowns for themselves to be queens. But poor bear- no crown for him, until mouse comes up with a clever solution. Illustrations are soft and lovely.

I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does a mouse do with a crown? Of course! Place it on top of his head and announce; I'm King Mouse! This beautiful children's book will engage and take you into a magical forest full of friendship and sharing. Where ultimately each friend gets to play and be included in the fun.

The illustration is beautiful and plentiful. Each story line is represented with an illustration that will grab your attention and open the imagination.

[Amber Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

King Mouse was a lovely tale of how perceptions of a situation can drastically change when you see more of the picture. Mouse loved being King, but so did everyone else. The illustrations in this book were beautiful and amazing. I was immediately drawn in. I enjoyed the story and the through provoking questions that could go with the book. This is a picture book that could be used with any age to bring out depth of conversation.

[Elizabeth Seibel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you #netgalley for giving me a copy of #KingMouse to review. This is a cute tale about animals in a forest. Mouse finds a crown and the others decide he's a king shop he goes with it until the others find crowns also. I enjoyed the simple pictures and well written story. The ending was sweet. This will be a great addition to my #classroombookaday lessons this year with my fifth graders.

[Leah Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

King mouse is a sweet little tale about the importance of imagination, inclusion and friendship. This books illustrations are soft and warm and truly beautiful to look at. With all of the bright and bold children’s books that are on the shelves it’s nice to see one with a more subdued color scheme.

This is a calm book I’d love to read to my son at bedtime.

[clivey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations bring this layered fable to life on the page. The gentle twists of the short tale serve up plenty of food for thought--on power, individuality, awareness, and kindness, to name just a few.