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Once Upon a Twice
A cautionary tale for mice reminiscent of Carroll’s Jabberwocky !
Out in the open, in the clear,
Where any wisenmouse would fear,
Jam licks his paw, he grooms an ear,
And never hears approaching hisssss . . .
What will happen to the brave mouse Jam when he breaks the rules and goes for a moonlit adventure against the advice of the elder mice?
Award-winning illustrator Barry Moser has created a dark and vivid mouse world to complement this cautionary tale full of clever nonsense words and rhyming prose that will keep kids on the edge of their seats.
Out in the open, in the clear,
Where any wisenmouse would fear,
Jam licks his paw, he grooms an ear,
And never hears approaching hisssss . . .
What will happen to the brave mouse Jam when he breaks the rules and goes for a moonlit adventure against the advice of the elder mice?
Award-winning illustrator Barry Moser has created a dark and vivid mouse world to complement this cautionary tale full of clever nonsense words and rhyming prose that will keep kids on the edge of their seats.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2009
8 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Denise Doyen
5 books16 followersDenise Doyen studied creative writing and art design at Stanford University and received her Masters in directing from the American Film Institute. For many years she worked in the world of children’s television. Her first picture book, "Once Upon a Twice", earned starred reviews, was a Junior Library Guild selection, a Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Book(s) of 2009 and received the E.B. White Read Aloud Honor. Her next outing, "The Pomegranate Witch" arrives Aug. 2017. Her rhyming picture books are known for their literary approach to children -- offering a wealth of language and love of wordplay. Denise lives in Pacific Palisades, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
July 28, 2019
In her picture-book debut, which follows the story of young mouse-rebel named Jam and his night-time adventures under a bright full moon, Denis Doyen crafts a cautionary tale in poetic language that will delight readers with its tongue-tripping creativity. Words are cobbled to words, and something new - the "qui-etiquette" of proper nocturnal mouse behavior, the "preycautions" necessary for small creatures to stay safe - is created. The tripping narrative is accompanied by artist Barry Moser's darkly dramatic illustrations, which capture the sense of danger that builds throughout the story, culminating in Jam's waterside confrontation with a snake.
I enjoyed the wordplay in Once Upon a Twice (including the title itself), I enjoyed the rhythm and rhyme of the text, and I enjoyed the lovely illustrations. Despite all of this enjoyment however, I didn't come away with the feeling that this was a book I'd want to read again and again. Perhaps the conclusion of the story - don't go exploring, and do what you're told, or terrible things will happen to you - had something to do with it, or perhaps this simply suffered from being compared to another rhyming picture-book I read at the same time: Margaret Mahy's delightful Bubble Trouble . Whatever the case may be, and despite its undeniable virtues, this one is just not destined to be a personal favorite.
Still, I truly did appreciate the creativity of Doyen's text, and recommend that readers - particularly children who love poetry and wordplay - pick it up and decide for themselves.
I enjoyed the wordplay in Once Upon a Twice (including the title itself), I enjoyed the rhythm and rhyme of the text, and I enjoyed the lovely illustrations. Despite all of this enjoyment however, I didn't come away with the feeling that this was a book I'd want to read again and again. Perhaps the conclusion of the story - don't go exploring, and do what you're told, or terrible things will happen to you - had something to do with it, or perhaps this simply suffered from being compared to another rhyming picture-book I read at the same time: Margaret Mahy's delightful Bubble Trouble . Whatever the case may be, and despite its undeniable virtues, this one is just not destined to be a personal favorite.
Still, I truly did appreciate the creativity of Doyen's text, and recommend that readers - particularly children who love poetry and wordplay - pick it up and decide for themselves.
August 11, 2010
The title is the best thing about this book. I love it.
The illustrations of the moon and water and foliage were lovely, the snakes and turtles and frogs were nice too, but I didn’t like the way the mice were drawn.
The story just didn’t do it for me. The message of a warning not to take stupid risks seems as though it should work okay enough, but I don’t like the way it was told, and I wasn’t wild about the poetry that makes up the story.
I see that I’m very much in the minority here. Perhaps it was my mood when I read it. I’d give it another try, but there are too many other books I’d rather read.
The illustrations of the moon and water and foliage were lovely, the snakes and turtles and frogs were nice too, but I didn’t like the way the mice were drawn.
The story just didn’t do it for me. The message of a warning not to take stupid risks seems as though it should work okay enough, but I don’t like the way it was told, and I wasn’t wild about the poetry that makes up the story.
I see that I’m very much in the minority here. Perhaps it was my mood when I read it. I’d give it another try, but there are too many other books I’d rather read.
November 14, 2009
Fantastic wordplay, reminiscent of jabberwocky. Would be great for reading aloud. I can take or leave the cautionary tale, but maybe the point is that the dangerous near-misses make for a great story to tell the young-uns.
October 26, 2009
What wondrous fun with words this plays,
Mice hide beneath the moon-strous rays,
Doyen and Moser duet amaze,
A book worth reading thrice twice!
Mice hide beneath the moon-strous rays,
Doyen and Moser duet amaze,
A book worth reading thrice twice!
September 16, 2009
Unlike my sister, who unfairly gave this book only 2 stars, I love this piece! Lyrical poetry with beautiful language, even the nonsense words (which I prefer to call derived words); tone that's just right; nice theme; character development; beautiful illustrations. What more could you ask for? How about a teaching connection?
This is perfect for teaching context clues with upper elementary and middle school students. Give students the derived words on index cards prior to reading, and have them predict the meaning from the clues they find within the words themselves (scoutaprowl, runtunnel, etc.) Read the book aloud (maybe even twice!)then let them decide from the full context if their predictions were accurate. Ask them to substitute a synonymous word or phrase for each of the derived words. Read the book again with the substitutions. Discuss whether the book is better with the derived words or their substitutions. I would venture that the verdict will be unanimous in favor of Doyen's beautiful wordplay. Close by reading the original one more time because once just isn't enough for Once upon a Twice!
This is perfect for teaching context clues with upper elementary and middle school students. Give students the derived words on index cards prior to reading, and have them predict the meaning from the clues they find within the words themselves (scoutaprowl, runtunnel, etc.) Read the book aloud (maybe even twice!)then let them decide from the full context if their predictions were accurate. Ask them to substitute a synonymous word or phrase for each of the derived words. Read the book again with the substitutions. Discuss whether the book is better with the derived words or their substitutions. I would venture that the verdict will be unanimous in favor of Doyen's beautiful wordplay. Close by reading the original one more time because once just isn't enough for Once upon a Twice!
July 24, 2013
I like to have fun with wordplay, nonsense verse and rhyme. At times I have come up with some rather brilliant snatchets. But to weave it all together in a meaningful, poetic and well paced narrative that tells a great story takes mastery. And Denise Doyen shows it in spades with Once Upon A Twice. Her nonsense defines itself. You find yourself speaking this new language that you understand perfectly well. And it teaches a great lesson... Jamagination can be a good thing but you don't want to let it runscurry away with you.
Once again it was the intriguing title and incredible cover art that first grabbed me. Barry Moser's cool night shadows with just enough warm light painted the world of Jam Boy perfectly.
It must be read aloud. Sure that is true of most every picture book. It is especially true of this one. Have fun with the wordplay, the meter and the lyrical quality. And then... do it again... I intend to.
Once again it was the intriguing title and incredible cover art that first grabbed me. Barry Moser's cool night shadows with just enough warm light painted the world of Jam Boy perfectly.
It must be read aloud. Sure that is true of most every picture book. It is especially true of this one. Have fun with the wordplay, the meter and the lyrical quality. And then... do it again... I intend to.
December 12, 2010
Jam goes against the advice of his elders and decides to take a moonlit walk. In doing so, he finds out that the warnings they made were for a good reason - the world can be a dangerous place!
Doyen uses a fun rhythmic language and made up words reminiscent of Lewis Carrol or Dr. Seuss. I enjoyed the poetry of the book but not as much as the illustrations. They were rich and dark, conveying the sense of fear and the risks that Jam was taking.
However, this book may be a little to dark or scary for some children.
Doyen uses a fun rhythmic language and made up words reminiscent of Lewis Carrol or Dr. Seuss. I enjoyed the poetry of the book but not as much as the illustrations. They were rich and dark, conveying the sense of fear and the risks that Jam was taking.
However, this book may be a little to dark or scary for some children.
March 12, 2012
Reminds me of Jabberwocky with the made-up words in this poem. I read it to 4 year olds and they could figure the story out from the pictures. Wonderful illustrations. It was hard to read out loud the first time. It could be used to study word play and teach poetic verse form.
January 23, 2020
This book is clever, and with neat rhymes and numerous invented words.
the story just seemed to predictable, and not that fascinating.
worth rereading for the poetry, but not necessary for the story.
the story just seemed to predictable, and not that fascinating.
worth rereading for the poetry, but not necessary for the story.
January 10, 2018
I love Doyen's way with creating words that you've never heard before but are completely intelligible.
October 15, 2014
This is a tale of Jam the brave, yet foolish mouse who refuses to be cowed by anything or anyone. When Jam is repeatedly told not to go to the place by the water, he decides to ignore the Elder’s warnings and continues on his foolish adventure. Jam reaches the forbidden reeds and let’s his guard down as he basks in his victory over the elders. Yet, what lies in wait for Jam could bring an end to this new and exciting adventure with a ssssssnap of the mouth. Will Jam get the chance to realize his mistake before it’s too late?!
‘Once Upon a Twice’ is very similar to the book “Jaberwocky” by Lewis Carroll. There are many words created in this book that are made to rhyme and not make sense. The new words are fun to say while they also encourage the reader to really use their ‘sounding out’ abilities. I had a hard time reading this book the first time and I had to reread the same phrase multiple times in order to understand the meaning of several of the ‘new’ words that the author created. The text is very well placed and helps you see the order of events happening as you follow the text from top to bottom and left to right. The genre is fiction with the plot being the average kind with rising action, climax, and falling action. The story is told well and there is a great meaning behind the text. Later on, Jam becomes an old elder himself and begins to warn the young children in his family of the danger that awaits them if they dare to ignore their elder’s warnings. This picture book reinforces the message that your elders usually know that they are talking about and that youth would do well to follow their actions and dispositions. (Although, many of us know that some people have to find out things the hard way such as Jam did) This book revolves around poetic lines the author uses to weave this powerful story. The illustrations are all dark with a full moon shining over each scene and lighting up the fair colored mice as they travel in their reed clouded world. The many predators of Jam are all created with dark colors that hint at a trace of darkness that accompanies each predator. The story creates the characters personalities and we can all identify as a Jam at some point in our life when we didn’t want to listen to our parent’s advice on a matter.
‘Once Upon a Twice’ is very similar to the book “Jaberwocky” by Lewis Carroll. There are many words created in this book that are made to rhyme and not make sense. The new words are fun to say while they also encourage the reader to really use their ‘sounding out’ abilities. I had a hard time reading this book the first time and I had to reread the same phrase multiple times in order to understand the meaning of several of the ‘new’ words that the author created. The text is very well placed and helps you see the order of events happening as you follow the text from top to bottom and left to right. The genre is fiction with the plot being the average kind with rising action, climax, and falling action. The story is told well and there is a great meaning behind the text. Later on, Jam becomes an old elder himself and begins to warn the young children in his family of the danger that awaits them if they dare to ignore their elder’s warnings. This picture book reinforces the message that your elders usually know that they are talking about and that youth would do well to follow their actions and dispositions. (Although, many of us know that some people have to find out things the hard way such as Jam did) This book revolves around poetic lines the author uses to weave this powerful story. The illustrations are all dark with a full moon shining over each scene and lighting up the fair colored mice as they travel in their reed clouded world. The many predators of Jam are all created with dark colors that hint at a trace of darkness that accompanies each predator. The story creates the characters personalities and we can all identify as a Jam at some point in our life when we didn’t want to listen to our parent’s advice on a matter.
June 15, 2013
This is a poem about the dangerous adventure of a mouse named Jam. Jam slows the scurrying of his mouse clan to smell a rose. The elders of his clan have told him the dangers that lay wake in the night and holding them up can put them in danger. Jam decides he is wiser and unafraid and jumps the fence to go on an adventure. He is nearly killed by a snake, but escapes by hiding in a log. He lives to be older and wiser and tells the tale to the young mice about the dangers that live outside the comfort of their shadow.
This seemed like a rebel story, to me. The young mouse went out to prove the elders wrong. His attempt is to show that he is smarter and braver than they are. It is like a coming of age story. In order for Jam to understand the danger, he has to experience it. People aren't mice, but they desire to prove themselves on a regular basis. Sometimes they are successful and other times they are not. The poem was entertaining, especially how the author plays with words, such as “dangerouse” and “Jamagination”. They became unknown words for a character in an unknown world.
The illustrations add a dramatic effect to the poem. The story takes place in the dead of night when things unseen lie in wake. Throughout the illustrations, there are eyes peering out through the dark spaces. The moon is high and full and creates a bit of mystery to the setting, highlighting the underbrush and the serpent as it slithers towards its prey. The ripple of the water gives the reader a sense of movement as eyes begin to appear. The colors are dark, but the surroundings are slightly illuminated by the moon. The darkness adds to the sense of danger.
August 2, 2017
Lovely, evocative, LITERATURE for children.
The mistake I see being made by folks giving this book 2 stars or so, is the feeling it has to be translated for children. It doesn't. Kids live in a world where they are constantly figuring out the meaning of words and situations by association or context. The flow of language and the masterfully done nonsense-word-portmanteaus will make sense to children (the wonderful art helps) if you just "let it flow" over them. It'll take a pre-read or two for YOU the parent/teacher/grandparent to get the rhythm and language down -- but once you do, the experience is magical.
Think of all the sophisticated things your child already listens to and gets the gist of: The Night Before Christmas, Alice in Wonderland, The Bible. Feeling like you have to parse each nonsense word and steal away its magic and mystery WILL ruin the book. That is not the writing's fault, but the undermining work of a distrustful adult reader. Really, just let go and let the children enjoy.
My toddler to kindergarten Storybook Time listeners loved this book. Because I read it with gusto and we talked a bit about the overall story (not each challenging word.) Good luck and adventure!
The mistake I see being made by folks giving this book 2 stars or so, is the feeling it has to be translated for children. It doesn't. Kids live in a world where they are constantly figuring out the meaning of words and situations by association or context. The flow of language and the masterfully done nonsense-word-portmanteaus will make sense to children (the wonderful art helps) if you just "let it flow" over them. It'll take a pre-read or two for YOU the parent/teacher/grandparent to get the rhythm and language down -- but once you do, the experience is magical.
Think of all the sophisticated things your child already listens to and gets the gist of: The Night Before Christmas, Alice in Wonderland, The Bible. Feeling like you have to parse each nonsense word and steal away its magic and mystery WILL ruin the book. That is not the writing's fault, but the undermining work of a distrustful adult reader. Really, just let go and let the children enjoy.
My toddler to kindergarten Storybook Time listeners loved this book. Because I read it with gusto and we talked a bit about the overall story (not each challenging word.) Good luck and adventure!
September 13, 2014
Doyen, D. (2009). Once upon a twice. New York: Random House Children’s Books.
No Journal necessary
choice book
I started reading this story, and lost interest very fast. They begin the book by using words that did not make sense in the sentence. I believe the author was going for a poetic approach, but instead it lost my attention. I was confused about what was happening. It took a few pages in to understand what was happening in the story, and then I was not too thrilled about the fact that the story was about a mouse taking risks and breaking rules.
I did like the illustrations, the bright moon in a dark nighttime setting had a nice effect, and the facial expressions of the mice were detailed, but it was not enough to ale me enjoy the story.
Im sure there are some people who can appreciate the creative approach the author wanted to take on this story, but I would not want to read this book to a group of young students, as I don't think it would hold their attention.
No Journal necessary
choice book
I started reading this story, and lost interest very fast. They begin the book by using words that did not make sense in the sentence. I believe the author was going for a poetic approach, but instead it lost my attention. I was confused about what was happening. It took a few pages in to understand what was happening in the story, and then I was not too thrilled about the fact that the story was about a mouse taking risks and breaking rules.
I did like the illustrations, the bright moon in a dark nighttime setting had a nice effect, and the facial expressions of the mice were detailed, but it was not enough to ale me enjoy the story.
Im sure there are some people who can appreciate the creative approach the author wanted to take on this story, but I would not want to read this book to a group of young students, as I don't think it would hold their attention.
January 7, 2010
The wordplay is the best part of Doyen's story of one mouse's nighttime adventure. Lots of made up almost words are used and the text falls into a rhythm surprisingly well since it's not always uniform. The illustrations by Barry Moser are done in a night palette of blue, black and green. While this palette makes the pictures very atmospheric it also means the book is more suited to a lap read than a storytime as children will want to look closely at the illustrations to find what's hidden in the shadows. In the end, I think this was more fun for me to read aloud than it was for the kids to listen to - an older audience, maybe K through 2nd or 3rd grade, would probably be better than the preschool kids I tried it on. Overall though, I really liked this a lot and hope to find a better use for it in the future.
Used for Once Upon a Night preschool storytime January 2010.
Used for Once Upon a Night preschool storytime January 2010.
February 24, 2010
Upfront, i wanted to say that my 9yo agreed with those who think this book is too dark. Upon finishing (it was to be our last book before bedtime), he said "That was kind of dark to end with. Can we read something else?" His 6yo brother didn't seem to mind. Your kid may vary!
And while the book is compared to Jabberwocky in the description and many reviews, the rhythm and meter made me think of Poe's Raven. Maybe that added to the somber mood experienced by my son? But I did enjoy the wordplay, and the drawings were nice. The story just didn't quite appeal to me somehow. I need 2.5 stars...
And while the book is compared to Jabberwocky in the description and many reviews, the rhythm and meter made me think of Poe's Raven. Maybe that added to the somber mood experienced by my son? But I did enjoy the wordplay, and the drawings were nice. The story just didn't quite appeal to me somehow. I need 2.5 stars...
February 2, 2012
A wonderful nonsense verse in the tradition of the Jabberwocky. Mice are quickly scampering along when all of a sudden the line is jammed up by a mouse that has stopped to smell a rose. The mouse is warned against slowing down the line as there are dangerous creatures around. The mouse in question proclaims himself fearless and sneaks away from the group. Out in the open, exploring along the mouse is spied by a snake in the water. The snake attacks! Night creatures along the bank hold there breath to see if the mouse survived; but alas, he is gone.
But wait! The mouse ducked into a hollowed wood where he surprises a frog! When all is safe, the mouse skulks back to the group where he spends the rest of his life warning other young mice about dangers in the wild.
But wait! The mouse ducked into a hollowed wood where he surprises a frog! When all is safe, the mouse skulks back to the group where he spends the rest of his life warning other young mice about dangers in the wild.
August 11, 2016
Unless you’re interesting in discussing the meaning behind the layered text to a five year old (which is about the interest level for this book) this is not a fantastic read to share with your kiddo. Maybe this would be a wonderful bedtime tale to share, guaranteeing sleeping toddlers before books end?? It would have been better received if it were in a different format like a compendium of poetry for older children.
February 22, 2017
I found this book a little hard to read. While the rhyming of it was clever, I think that children will have little to no grasp of the concept it's attempting to propose. I do think, however, that having the students think about some of the made-up words, and discuss what they could mean would be fun and engaging!
July 8, 2017
Though it's a picture book, I was reminded of Roald Dahl's, The BFG with the mixed up words. Found them and the rhyming words to work against each other which resulted in a complex text. It made the reading more stilted than than it should have been as both the rhyming text and made up words needed to be deciphered. Not for beginning readers.
February 13, 2017
What a text! Probably one of the most difficult poems that a young reader could decide to decipher, though very nicely done, considering what the author's goals were. Comparisons to the Jabberwocky are not misguided.
November 5, 2017
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Grade level: Intermediate/Upper Elementary
This is an older book that I think children would have a hard time reading because of word selection. I would not read this to my future class.
Grade level: Intermediate/Upper Elementary
This is an older book that I think children would have a hard time reading because of word selection. I would not read this to my future class.
January 2, 2019
I loved the artwork, the word choices, and the way the story was told. Not sure I'm entirely on board with the message -- good for mice! 'Never take chances or question your elders' feels like not-so-great life advice for humans.
September 30, 2009
Reminded me of Lewis Carrol and reading it aloud was delightful!
June 6, 2018
This book was written very poetically, but it is a little tricky reading this out loud without stumbling.
I love the cover illustration.
I love the cover illustration.
November 12, 2018
I read this book last night at bedtime to my granddaughters who stayed over night. It was a rhyming book. A quick read that kept the girls interested until the end even though it was nonsensical.
November 14, 2019
Great Poetry!
May 4, 2020
Lovely little story with great graphics. The creative words and poetic presentation add a clever touch. And it has a good moral at the end.
May 4, 2022
Reviews say this book is akin to "The Jabberwocky" by Lewis Carroll, and I see the resemblance. Doyen uses rhythm, rhyme, and a healthy dose of portmanteaus to tell a cautionary tale (tail?) of a young mouse to ventures out at night, unaware of the nocturnal animals that consider him a tasty morsel. I enjoyed the story, particularly the wordplay and the cyclical structure, but I don't know if this book would have been a favorite of my own young children. Like "Brave Potatoes" by Toby Speed, the words would have been fun to read at bedtime, but I would have preferred to have read this book in the light of day, when things feel a little less uncertain. The illustrations are charming, though, and not very alarming.
February 5, 2024
This would be such a fun read-aloud in a classroom. The rhymes are fun and the words flow together so nicely. Students of any age would enjoy this book. It is a satisfying read. I would use it with older students to teach literary devices and to show a different style of creative writing.
It follows a curious mouse that refuses to heed the warnings of his peers about the dangers that lurk in the night. With much overconfidence, he ventures by himself and comes face to face with one of the dangers he was warned about. He narrowly escapes. His friends fear he is lost forever. However, he returns home and is greeted with cheer. He learned his lesson in his youth and became a wise old mouse.
It follows a curious mouse that refuses to heed the warnings of his peers about the dangers that lurk in the night. With much overconfidence, he ventures by himself and comes face to face with one of the dangers he was warned about. He narrowly escapes. His friends fear he is lost forever. However, he returns home and is greeted with cheer. He learned his lesson in his youth and became a wise old mouse.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews