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The Church Mice #1
Church Mouse
Book by Oakley, Graham
40 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
7 people are currently reading
616 people want to read
About the author
Graham Oakley
53 books26 followersGraham Oakley is a children's book author and illustrator, most active during the 1960s to 1980s. He is best known for the Church Mice series and also illustrated many book covers in the 60s.
For the current UK author of children's books at Top That! press see Graham Oakley.
For the current UK author of children's books at Top That! press see Graham Oakley.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 19, 2021
The first book in the wonderful Church Mouse series. This story introduces us to Sampson the church cat and Arthur the church mouse. This adventure involves Arthur feeling lonely so decides to find some friends to move in. Sampson, the long suffering cat, finds that one day he has just had enough, being put upon with babysitting young mice and not treated well he chases some of the mice during a harvest festival. The congregation demands the 'vermin' leave the church but luckily the cat and mouse friends capture a burglar leading them to being appreciated once more.
There are some brilliant scenes in this detailed book, one illustration shows some mice having tea, they use a paint tin for a table, match boxes for stools and a walnut shell, bottle top and thimble for cups, their miniature world it so inventively drawn, it's wonderful to look into. There's a lovely scene of brass polishing, a mouse is being swung round on it's back by another mouse leaving a bright polished circle, Sampson's tail is being pushed by four mice to polish another area. Each double page spread has at least four illustrations so there is so much to look at. The story has more text than your average picture book so this is ideal for children who love picture books but want more text. There is also so much humour, you get the feeling Graham Oakley had so much fun making these books and enormously enjoyed what he did.
There are some brilliant scenes in this detailed book, one illustration shows some mice having tea, they use a paint tin for a table, match boxes for stools and a walnut shell, bottle top and thimble for cups, their miniature world it so inventively drawn, it's wonderful to look into. There's a lovely scene of brass polishing, a mouse is being swung round on it's back by another mouse leaving a bright polished circle, Sampson's tail is being pushed by four mice to polish another area. Each double page spread has at least four illustrations so there is so much to look at. The story has more text than your average picture book so this is ideal for children who love picture books but want more text. There is also so much humour, you get the feeling Graham Oakley had so much fun making these books and enormously enjoyed what he did.
June 26, 2014
Buying this book is a mix of whimsy and preparedness. I say that I have two other of the authors books that I adored as a child so it was inevitable that I tried his most famous books. Some may say I'm getting clucky and feathering the future eka-Brendon's nest. They may have a point...
I adored both Henry's Quest and Graham Oakley's Magical Changes as a child and they are even brilliant as an adult. The quality of illustration is brilliant and abounds in detail and humour. The stories even have a dark side, most obviously Henry's Quest being a children's post-apocalyptic tale and while Magical Changes sounds cute, it is essentially a generator of a multitude of surreal nightmares. Definitely the fuel for young imaginations.
So I grew up exposed to these two volumes, Henry's Quest in the library, and Magical Changes on my own bookshelf thanks to an aunt. I was never exposed to Graham's most famous and popular series of works based upon this initial book. So here I find myself adding it to my latest online book order thinking why not.
Well I'm not disappointed at all, but it's no Henry's Quest nor Magical changes. It's definitely Graham's more Disneyfied story, that of a mouse who lives in a church with a friendly cat. The mouse strikes up a deal with the pastor to invite all his mouse friends to move into the church and have free weekly cheese in exchange for the mice doing odd jobs around the church such as cleaning and polishing, even shining the congregations shoes during service. Things start to go awry when the congregation realise their church is infested with mice though.
It is a nice story, but the accompanying illustrations are what make the book shine. I just love Graham's grungy yet detailed drawings. While the mice and the cat may be cute, even human is ugly, smudged and slightly obscure. Oh and all those worried that I am reading a religious children's book, all is OK. There is no mention of god, nor worshiping, nor any blatant christian message. It has the atheist stamp of approval.
I adored both Henry's Quest and Graham Oakley's Magical Changes as a child and they are even brilliant as an adult. The quality of illustration is brilliant and abounds in detail and humour. The stories even have a dark side, most obviously Henry's Quest being a children's post-apocalyptic tale and while Magical Changes sounds cute, it is essentially a generator of a multitude of surreal nightmares. Definitely the fuel for young imaginations.
So I grew up exposed to these two volumes, Henry's Quest in the library, and Magical Changes on my own bookshelf thanks to an aunt. I was never exposed to Graham's most famous and popular series of works based upon this initial book. So here I find myself adding it to my latest online book order thinking why not.
Well I'm not disappointed at all, but it's no Henry's Quest nor Magical changes. It's definitely Graham's more Disneyfied story, that of a mouse who lives in a church with a friendly cat. The mouse strikes up a deal with the pastor to invite all his mouse friends to move into the church and have free weekly cheese in exchange for the mice doing odd jobs around the church such as cleaning and polishing, even shining the congregations shoes during service. Things start to go awry when the congregation realise their church is infested with mice though.
It is a nice story, but the accompanying illustrations are what make the book shine. I just love Graham's grungy yet detailed drawings. While the mice and the cat may be cute, even human is ugly, smudged and slightly obscure. Oh and all those worried that I am reading a religious children's book, all is OK. There is no mention of god, nor worshiping, nor any blatant christian message. It has the atheist stamp of approval.
June 15, 2018
It is not good for a mouse to be alone. Arthur is lonely as the only mouse resident in the village church, but he has an idea: he proposes to the parson that if he will give all the local mice refuge in the church, they’ll undertake minor chores like flower arranging and picking up confetti. It seems like a good arrangement all around, but Sampson the church cat soon tires of the mice’s antics and creates something of a scene during a Sunday service. Luckily, he and the mice are still able to work together to outwit a burglar who comes for the silver. There are quite a lot of words for a very small child to engage with, but older children should enjoy it very much. I find this whole series so charming. This was the first book of the 14, from 1972.
March 3, 2018
The Church Mouse by Graham Oakley is the first in a long running series of children's picture books. While this particular book in the series has not won any awards, The Church Mice Adrift was a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year, and was nominated for a Kate Greenaway Medal in 1977. The Church Mice in Action was nominated for a Kate Greenaway Medal, and was a runner-up for the Kurt Maschler Award in 1982. Graham Oakley pairs the sweet tale of Arthur the mouse and his friend Sampson the cat (who has sworn off harming mice after listening to the churches many sermons on brotherly love) with rich, detailed color drawings. On some pages the drawings fill the whole page while on others you might have 2-4. With the exception two pages the text is in the white space around and in the pictures, separating the two into two halves of the same story. And while you could get the story without the pictures, many of the details are actually presented within the drawings. For example when the story says that Arthur "only paused once the rest of the way" it depicts a picture of a cheese shop with Arthur staring wondrously. The drawings are so detailed in fact that each look reveals something new with each look. For example the picture of the mice cleaning the brass has twelve separate tableaus of the mice cleaning one large piece together. The text is on the smaller side so while the book is rated for ages 4 and up, that would require an adult to read the book out loud and plan time for stopping to explain some of the more complicated words (e.g. bilious, vermin, etc). The story however is one that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages in my opinion. The themes are universal and the illustrations draw the reader in and tempt the imagination.
May 5, 2009
This is one of my favourite series of books from childhood, so I was very excited to see that the first one has been reprinted. It's always a bit nerve wracking re-reading a book that you loved as a child but I needn't have worried as it is still as amazing as I remember. Sampson and Arthur are still awesome and I even remember some of the drawings! It was a great blast from the past.
May 8, 2016
I loved this series as a child, and was so glad to get to read it again to my 3yo. I'd forgotten how clever the text was - not dumbed down at all, so just as entertaining for the adults - and the wonderful illustrations.
It's a little long to be in the regular bedtime rotation, at least for now, but this won't be for long!
It's a little long to be in the regular bedtime rotation, at least for now, but this won't be for long!
July 4, 2025
Loved this sooo much! Love that the cat listened to so many sermons he was reformed.
January 6, 2024
A cute, funny story that kids will enjoy.
There are some big words that kids won't understand (such as bilious), as well as humor that will go over many kids' heads.
Note: One of the characters uses the phrase "shut up," and "Apaches!" is yelled when townspeople are screaming out things they're afraid of.
There are some big words that kids won't understand (such as bilious), as well as humor that will go over many kids' heads.
Note: One of the characters uses the phrase "shut up," and "Apaches!" is yelled when townspeople are screaming out things they're afraid of.
December 4, 2018
If you've ever heard the phrase "poor as church mice," and wondered just what it is those impoverished rodents get up to in churches, then look no further. The first in a series of picture books devoted to the adventures of a group of mice who live in an English church (as well as their cat companion), The Church Mouse follows the story of Arthur, whose peaceful life in a small-town church is considerably enlivened when he invites the local mouse population to take up residence.
When Sampson the Church Cat, who "had listened to so many sermons about the meek being blessed and everybody really being brothers that he had grown quite frighteningly meek and treated Arthur just like a brother," forgets that he is "reformed," and causes an incident during worship, it looks like all the animals will have to go. But a late-night incident involving some very fishy goings-on gives Arthur, Sampson, and the Church Mice a chance to redeem themselves...
An engaging and humorous storyline, paired with Oakley's detailed, charming illustrations, make The Church Mouse an ideal selection for young children, whether they attend Sunday School or no. While I wouldn't describe this as one of the more stunning picture-books I have recently encountered, I was entertained, and will be looking for the next in the series. Of course, those who suffer from murophobia will want to avoid this title, as there are numerous pictures involving swarms of mice.
When Sampson the Church Cat, who "had listened to so many sermons about the meek being blessed and everybody really being brothers that he had grown quite frighteningly meek and treated Arthur just like a brother," forgets that he is "reformed," and causes an incident during worship, it looks like all the animals will have to go. But a late-night incident involving some very fishy goings-on gives Arthur, Sampson, and the Church Mice a chance to redeem themselves...
An engaging and humorous storyline, paired with Oakley's detailed, charming illustrations, make The Church Mouse an ideal selection for young children, whether they attend Sunday School or no. While I wouldn't describe this as one of the more stunning picture-books I have recently encountered, I was entertained, and will be looking for the next in the series. Of course, those who suffer from murophobia will want to avoid this title, as there are numerous pictures involving swarms of mice.
January 6, 2023
This picture book about a lonely mouse inviting all the town's mice to live with him in the church where the cat isn't a killer because of listening to 'brotherly love' sermons is perfect. Oakley's large, detailed watercolour illustrations are beautiful, adorable and hilarious, while the text is also very witty and clever. Each on their own is filled with enjoyment but the mix together where the pictures either add extra meaning to the words or humorously juxtapose them is sublime and creates an utter masterpiece.
December 17, 2011
The first in a series of books from the 1970's. I love these books. They are heartwarming animal stories. I bought some last year from Amazon. They were Library discards & I enjoyed reading them very much. They cleanse the palette after reading some more "worldly" books!
January 23, 2015
Fanciful story of mice living in a church and saving the day. Oakley's illustrations are wonderful - especially the cityscape.
May 28, 2022
Fantastic book for adults as well as children.
January 25, 2025
In a busy little town, there is a church. And in that church lives a mouse named Arthur and a cat named Samson. Arthur never worried about Samson since the cat had heard so many sermons about brotherhood that he treated the mouse like a brother.
But Arthur is the only mouse in the church, and he was lonely. And so, with the parson’s concurrence, Arthur invited all the other mice in town to come live with him in the church. But when Samson forgets himself and chases the mice during the sermon, the congregation declares that the mice must go.
But before they can all leave, a burglar comes to steal the congregation’s cherished candlesticks.
What can the mice possibly do to stop the burglar from stealing the candlesticks?
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Preschool through primary grade readers, ages four through eight, are the target audience for this amazing picture book. However, there is significantly more text than is generally found in a picture book and the clever story is both cute and appealing to readers. Thus, older elementary school readers may enjoy this book as well.
The colorful, intricate illustrations are simply beautiful; the story is one for parents and children to share. It’s heartwarming, it’s enchanting, it holds the young reader’s interest. This is sure to become one of the young reader’s favorite books.
Highly recommended.
But Arthur is the only mouse in the church, and he was lonely. And so, with the parson’s concurrence, Arthur invited all the other mice in town to come live with him in the church. But when Samson forgets himself and chases the mice during the sermon, the congregation declares that the mice must go.
But before they can all leave, a burglar comes to steal the congregation’s cherished candlesticks.
What can the mice possibly do to stop the burglar from stealing the candlesticks?
=========
Preschool through primary grade readers, ages four through eight, are the target audience for this amazing picture book. However, there is significantly more text than is generally found in a picture book and the clever story is both cute and appealing to readers. Thus, older elementary school readers may enjoy this book as well.
The colorful, intricate illustrations are simply beautiful; the story is one for parents and children to share. It’s heartwarming, it’s enchanting, it holds the young reader’s interest. This is sure to become one of the young reader’s favorite books.
Highly recommended.
July 12, 2021
3.5 stars. Watched a reading on YouTube.
This is a longer picture book about adventures a church mouse, his friend Samson the cat, and eventually many other mice have inside a church. It’s a lively book that kept me interested in spite of the length, and while the illustrations are of an older style they are so detailed I really like them.
I only have 2 qualms about this story: it seems the parson and congregation have too much pride in material objects (like the candle sticks), and of course when the townspeople are afraid of “apaches”. I think that could be a point of discussion with a child though. Altogether a nice classic
This is a longer picture book about adventures a church mouse, his friend Samson the cat, and eventually many other mice have inside a church. It’s a lively book that kept me interested in spite of the length, and while the illustrations are of an older style they are so detailed I really like them.
I only have 2 qualms about this story: it seems the parson and congregation have too much pride in material objects (like the candle sticks), and of course when the townspeople are afraid of “apaches”. I think that could be a point of discussion with a child though. Altogether a nice classic
August 5, 2018
Arthur likes living at the church for many reasons, but the best reason is that Sampson, the church cat, has listened to all those sermons about the meek being blessed. So Sampson treats Arthur like a brother. But Arthur is lonely for other mice. So you would think all of his mice friends moving in would be a good thing, but it isn’t. Too many mice are easily seen and parishioners don’t want them around. Only when the mice come together to catch a burglar, who is stealing candlesticks, do they convince the parishioners that they are needed in the church.
November 27, 2018
What a fun story - I really enjoyed the narration, which was like the author was telling a story out loud, and the illustrations were most charming.
Ages: 4 - 9
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Ages: 4 - 9
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
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November 18, 2019I read this book with an EAL child who had very poor English grammar. The use of the illustrations to go along with the text help the child to learn new words and understand the book. Would recommend as the use of language is challenging but very educational too.
Read
September 25, 2021I read a later book in the series first and was charmed by it, and wanted to read the series' starter. This one is also delightful. There are lots more words in these books, so I sort of consider them illustrated books as opposed to picture books.
August 17, 2025
I didn't love this one as much as I expected. I have read others in the series, but never this first one. I do think I enjoy the others I have read more, but this is still cute and I am glad to have it as part of my Mémé collection.
July 31, 2018
I just didn't find this story to be as charming as I thought it would be, and my children were bored.
September 4, 2018
Summer reading that the family left at my house. Not doing anything new, either in terms of art or story, I'm afraid.
April 4, 2019
Definitely a little "of its era" now but a sweet, funny story.
November 14, 2019
The boys think this series is hilarious. Great, detailed illustrations.
Read
January 3, 2020Sweet, funny story, beautifully illustrated. The detailed illustrations bear careful examination to spot all the antics in which the mice are involved.
February 17, 2021
The uniqueness of the tale is funny and memorable. Oakley's illustrations have a wonderful style and the "English" patterns and interiors are rich elements in the book.
July 7, 2022
This is the original story introducing us to the world of Graham Oakley who also illustrated this book. Look around those amazing illustrations for little buried gems!
November 7, 2022
I loved reading this book to my children and love seeing on my shelf so I can read it to myself. Funny and heartwarming.
February 16, 2024
Utterly delightful! So much goodness in the story. Captivating illustrations. Beautiful text. Only wish for series was still in print and easier to obtain.
September 6, 2025
This explains the importance of being a mouse.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews