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Loud Mouse: How a Little Mouse Found Her Big Voice
From writer and teacher Cara Mentzel and her sister, Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel, comes this stunning picture book about a little mouse finding her big voice.
Dee loves to sing. She sings during her morning yoga. She even sings while practicing her math facts. She usually sings to herself. But when her teacher asks everyone to share something with the class, Dee knows just what to bring: a song. And as Dee sings la, la, la, la,LOUDly in front of her class for the first time, something extraordinary happens. . . .
Complete with gorgeous illustrations and filled with humor and heart, Loud Mouse is a clever tale about learning that sometimes your best self is big, brave, and yes, loud.
Dee loves to sing. She sings during her morning yoga. She even sings while practicing her math facts. She usually sings to herself. But when her teacher asks everyone to share something with the class, Dee knows just what to bring: a song. And as Dee sings la, la, la, la,LOUDly in front of her class for the first time, something extraordinary happens. . . .
Complete with gorgeous illustrations and filled with humor and heart, Loud Mouse is a clever tale about learning that sometimes your best self is big, brave, and yes, loud.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published September 27, 2022
104 people want to read
About the author
Cara Mentzel
3 books82 followersCara is a writer and a teacher. She lives in Boulder, Colorado with the love of her life. She has two teenage boys who like to reprimand her for cursing too much, and an older stepson who is an aspiring musician. She also has two dogs with whom she has much in common, a border collie with OCD and a maltipoo with a weak bladder. Voice Lessons is her first book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 19, 2022
This picture book has colorful, expressive illustrations that kids and their parents will love, but the story is confusing and the message is somewhat unclear. The writing itself is great, with a solid sense of rhythm, great vocabulary, and occasional alliteration, but the story seems like an incomplete draft.
Dee, the main character, loves to sing, and when she sings in front of her class, she physically grows bigger. There is no explanation given for this, so I assumed that it was a metaphor about her being the center of attention, but the story never unpacks this in a way that makes sense. She feels self-conscious about being big and loud, but no one teased her or gave her a hard time about her performance or her singing voice, so it's unclear why she's having a problem.
She shrinks back down to her regular size while she's upset, but after talking with her family, she regains the confidence to keep expressing herself and being loud. She performs in a school concert that night, and as people cheer, she begins to float. Then that's the end of the story. It's confusing and feels incomplete, because the magical realism elements of the book are never explained and don't seem to match up clearly with a metaphorical message.
I'm not sure what to make of this. The cover and illustrations are highly appealing, and the story has some good moments and nice messages, but the plot doesn't make sense. If people had made fun of Dee for her singing, I could understand how her growing bigger and then smaller again could fit with the idea of being loud and then being told you shouldn't draw attention to yourself or "take up space" in the metaphorical sense, but without that, the unrealistic elements of the book just seem random and confusing. I had hoped that there would at least be an author's note at the end to explain the inspiration and intent for the story, but without that, the ending remains completely abrupt and unsatisfying.
Dee, the main character, loves to sing, and when she sings in front of her class, she physically grows bigger. There is no explanation given for this, so I assumed that it was a metaphor about her being the center of attention, but the story never unpacks this in a way that makes sense. She feels self-conscious about being big and loud, but no one teased her or gave her a hard time about her performance or her singing voice, so it's unclear why she's having a problem.
She shrinks back down to her regular size while she's upset, but after talking with her family, she regains the confidence to keep expressing herself and being loud. She performs in a school concert that night, and as people cheer, she begins to float. Then that's the end of the story. It's confusing and feels incomplete, because the magical realism elements of the book are never explained and don't seem to match up clearly with a metaphorical message.
I'm not sure what to make of this. The cover and illustrations are highly appealing, and the story has some good moments and nice messages, but the plot doesn't make sense. If people had made fun of Dee for her singing, I could understand how her growing bigger and then smaller again could fit with the idea of being loud and then being told you shouldn't draw attention to yourself or "take up space" in the metaphorical sense, but without that, the unrealistic elements of the book just seem random and confusing. I had hoped that there would at least be an author's note at the end to explain the inspiration and intent for the story, but without that, the ending remains completely abrupt and unsatisfying.
June 1, 2023
Dee Mouse loves to sing and feels most like herself when she sings. But when she sings at school she suddenly becomes so big (physically) that she doesn't really fit in anymore. This makes no sense in the story. She deflates and decides she doesn't want to sing anymore. She gets home and her mother and sister help her understand that if singing makes her feel like herself then so be it. She goes to school the next day and lands the lead in the talent show, I guess.
Yet another celebrity author attempting to write a children's book. Nope. No thank you. Also, if the character is a mouse why does it have the nose/mouth of a rabbit?
Yet another celebrity author attempting to write a children's book. Nope. No thank you. Also, if the character is a mouse why does it have the nose/mouth of a rabbit?
June 25, 2022
Received advanced reader copy from publisher via Baker & Taylor llibrary book suppliers.
Before passing this sweet book along to a friend to share with her granddaughter, I savored the gorgeous artwork and Dee’s wonderful journey to finding her voice, losing her confidence, and finding that confidence all over again – thanks to the love of her mom & her sister.
Share this one with anyone needing a reminder that embracing your characteristics is the best way forward. Even if those characteristics are big and loud!
“Sometimes your best self is big, brave, and loud.”Why, yes, I was slightly puzzled as to why Baker & Taylor had included a picture book in my normally-only-teen-advance-reader-copies box. But what did I do when I saw who the authors were? I let out a little squeal and belted a bit of Let It Go. And, I do not sing well – at all!
Before passing this sweet book along to a friend to share with her granddaughter, I savored the gorgeous artwork and Dee’s wonderful journey to finding her voice, losing her confidence, and finding that confidence all over again – thanks to the love of her mom & her sister.
Share this one with anyone needing a reminder that embracing your characteristics is the best way forward. Even if those characteristics are big and loud!
April 30, 2024
This is a read-aloud book that was mentioned at this year's NTTBF.
November 28, 2022
First sentence: Dee loved to sing.
Premise/plot: Dee (the cute, adorable mouse heroine) loves, loves, loves to sing. It makes her so incredibly happy. When she sings for show and tell at school, however, she learns a little life lesson. There's a slight hiccup [aka conflict] in the story, but it's not a huge problem to overcome. [It reminded me of how quickly conflict enters and exits in a sitcom like Full House].
My thoughts: I liked it well enough. I did. It was cute, sweet, adorable. It was a little text-heavy, perhaps. And it is slightly longer than the typical picture book. The message itself while not unique--be the best you, you can be--is not horrible.
I liked the beginning. I liked the ending. The middle is confusing. Her physically changing sizes is slightly weird.
Premise/plot: Dee (the cute, adorable mouse heroine) loves, loves, loves to sing. It makes her so incredibly happy. When she sings for show and tell at school, however, she learns a little life lesson. There's a slight hiccup [aka conflict] in the story, but it's not a huge problem to overcome. [It reminded me of how quickly conflict enters and exits in a sitcom like Full House].
My thoughts: I liked it well enough. I did. It was cute, sweet, adorable. It was a little text-heavy, perhaps. And it is slightly longer than the typical picture book. The message itself while not unique--be the best you, you can be--is not horrible.
I liked the beginning. I liked the ending. The middle is confusing. Her physically changing sizes is slightly weird.
June 28, 2022
The illustrations and some of the language are really gorgeous in this book. I think it would make a fun read aloud- especially singing la-la-la-la- loud! I think the ending needs to be clearer for younger kids though. I worry that they might keep wondering if they are missing a page or something.
September 29, 2022
I love this sweet book about a mouse who grows too large when she sings. But she discovers it's not such a bad thing to have a "big" voice. Adorable illustrations with a message all kids will appreciate!
October 12, 2022
Illustrations by Jaclyn Sinquett are the star of this children’s picture book! I loved the vibrant spreads and easily recognizable animals used to represent “children” in home and school settings. The messages of being proud of who you are and do what you love to do ring out, but at the end, my 4 year old grandson did ask, “Why does she want to get big again? Now she can’t fit in her chair or play with her friends?” Hmm. True. In the book, Dee gets physically bigger as she sings out loud and proud and when she can’t fit into her chair and can’t play with her friends in her usual way, she thinks she has to stop singing. Her little sister helps her see that she should never be afraid to do what she loves and to be herself. Good message. But she gets “big” again and won’t those chair and playing problems come back? If my grandson picked up on that, other kids will, too. Verdict for me? Kids will love the story and the artwork and maybe extra discussion will be needed for some of the extremely perceptive readers/listeners, but overall is a great addition to home, school, classroom and public libraries. Especially useful for social-emotional-learning (SEL) lessons.
Thanks for the review copy, Amazon Vine.
Thanks for the review copy, Amazon Vine.
October 7, 2022
First, I love a good dust cover reveal with a new illustration, what a treat. The illustrations are whimsical and draw the reader threw the pages like they are floating, very fitting as most of the concepts of this book have to do with Dee’s voice creating change.
Second, I like the concept of the book. It deals with a lot of complicated emotions that Dee is feelings. Vague enough that the reader could connect with themselves, but specific enough to give depth to the story.
The recommended age is 3-5, I would change that closer to 4-6 or 7. Three year olds could enjoy the illustrations and fun story, but older ages will benefit from grasping at the feelings Dee is experiencing.
It took me a few to understand the ending which is a bit open ended. My husband read it to my daughter and he also was searching for another page at the end to finish it. I can understand the artistic expression for leaving it open, and as I pondered it the story and illustration I am satisfied but the initial readings felt a little lost.
Overall, I recommend. Especially for the little stars in your life that shine extra bright.
Second, I like the concept of the book. It deals with a lot of complicated emotions that Dee is feelings. Vague enough that the reader could connect with themselves, but specific enough to give depth to the story.
The recommended age is 3-5, I would change that closer to 4-6 or 7. Three year olds could enjoy the illustrations and fun story, but older ages will benefit from grasping at the feelings Dee is experiencing.
It took me a few to understand the ending which is a bit open ended. My husband read it to my daughter and he also was searching for another page at the end to finish it. I can understand the artistic expression for leaving it open, and as I pondered it the story and illustration I am satisfied but the initial readings felt a little lost.
Overall, I recommend. Especially for the little stars in your life that shine extra bright.
January 15, 2023
Dee loves to sing! She sings all the time, but usually to herself. Today, however, Miss Pink has asked each student to bring something to school that symbolizes what they like to do. So, Dee brought a song, and boy, did she sing it loud! In fact, her voice was so big, Dee started to grow. By the end of her song, she was much bigger than anyone in her class (including the teacher.) Her size was a problem, in chorus class, PE, even recess. As Dee's joy faded, her size returned to normal. Now, Dee is afraid to sing again.
A cute story about embracing yourself and your talents, and owning your joy. The illustrations were cute - all of the characters are animals, Dee and her family are mice. I was excited to see this as I am a fan of Idenda Menzel. Loud Mouse is well written and sweet.
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
A cute story about embracing yourself and your talents, and owning your joy. The illustrations were cute - all of the characters are animals, Dee and her family are mice. I was excited to see this as I am a fan of Idenda Menzel. Loud Mouse is well written and sweet.
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
February 15, 2023
Dee loves to sing. She sings everywhere and about everything.
One day, she decides to sing in front of her class.
Will she feel okay to be big and loud?
The book is co-written by Idina Menzel (yes, from movies and Wicked) and her sister, teacher Cara Mentzel.
I personally felt that the book (even though it was a picture book) was lacking in the editing department because the writing felt kind of bounce-around with what Mentzel was trying to achieve.
I don't know if it was the text or the illustrations but they didn't click together for me.
No offense to either of the authors (and I'm glad big-name stars are helping promote literature, whether they write it or not), but this just felt like a celebrity trying to put out a book...
But if you're a fan of the "Sing!" films or Idina Menzel, check it out.
One day, she decides to sing in front of her class.
Will she feel okay to be big and loud?
The book is co-written by Idina Menzel (yes, from movies and Wicked) and her sister, teacher Cara Mentzel.
I personally felt that the book (even though it was a picture book) was lacking in the editing department because the writing felt kind of bounce-around with what Mentzel was trying to achieve.
I don't know if it was the text or the illustrations but they didn't click together for me.
No offense to either of the authors (and I'm glad big-name stars are helping promote literature, whether they write it or not), but this just felt like a celebrity trying to put out a book...
But if you're a fan of the "Sing!" films or Idina Menzel, check it out.
November 24, 2022
Dee loves to sing and sing really loud. She sings during bath time, during yoga, on the way to school, everywhere she goes. When she gets a chance to show her talent to her class, she sings so loud that she grows into an enormous mouse! Being enormous, however, is lonely and makes Dee cry. Will she find a way to be herself without being lonely?
The illustrations are colorful and complement the text well. The text is a bit long, but is animated. Young children who like singing, mice, or need a book about learning to be themselves will enjoy having this book read to them.
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.
The illustrations are colorful and complement the text well. The text is a bit long, but is animated. Young children who like singing, mice, or need a book about learning to be themselves will enjoy having this book read to them.
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.
October 13, 2022
Loud Mouse is gorgeous. The illustrations are amazing and the story is so inspiring. Dee loves to sing but she is shy about it. She eventually learns how to use her talent.
The message behind this book is empowering for kids. Everyone has their own interests. It's really empowering to know that it's okay to pursue what you love and that is important.
My daughter loves to sing but gets embarrassed singing in public. We spent an hour singing "The Loud Mouse Song" over and over.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
The message behind this book is empowering for kids. Everyone has their own interests. It's really empowering to know that it's okay to pursue what you love and that is important.
My daughter loves to sing but gets embarrassed singing in public. We spent an hour singing "The Loud Mouse Song" over and over.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
June 29, 2024
Dee has a talent for singing. What happens when she shares her talents with her classmates and teachers? What consequences does being the best at something have? A good book for opening discussions with young ones who have gifts and talents they may be reluctant to share with others.
With Dee's talent being singing and lyrics that show her singing,
. . . I sing it big,
I sing it La La La La LOUD,
I couldn't help but hear the 1970s Carpenters song in my head.
With Dee's talent being singing and lyrics that show her singing,
. . . I sing it big,
I sing it La La La La LOUD,
I couldn't help but hear the 1970s Carpenters song in my head.
September 20, 2023
Big sister Dee loves to sing - she sings everywhere, but usually alone. When she is instructed to bring in something that symbolizes what she likes to do, Dee opens her mouth and sings loud and proud, growing in size before everyone's very eyes! Dee finds herself feeling shy and wonders if she should stop singing all together. It takes little sister Cara Lee to ask her if a star could ever choose to not shine to get Dee to reconsider her special talent.
November 6, 2024
Loud Mouse by Cara Mentzel is an inspirational children's book. The main character Dee is a little mouse who loves to sing everywhere. She loves to sing to her sister, while walking even while practicing her math facts. This book emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself and being proud. This book is good for readers pre-k- 2 grade level. I would read this book to my students during the read aloud session.
October 23, 2022
This glorious book is a collaboration between sisters Cara Mentzel (teacher) and Idina Menzel (yes, the one and the same). It is a celebration of finding your voice and your strengths and growing into your passion. Beautifully illustrated, it will boost confidence of young (mice?) readers everywhere.
September 3, 2024
This story uses beautiful words and is also beautifully illustrated, but the message wasn't as clear to me as I would have liked it to be. I was left feeling that the MC didn't really find a way to overcome her problem on her own but instead the problem just seemed to miraculously take care of itself.
August 26, 2022
This book. OMG. When I read this for the first time with my 3 year old daughter, we both cried. She was just starting a new daycare and felt really out of place. Even at 3 years old, this book hit hard. It's so beautifully written and illustrated.
June 8, 2023
A musical mouse uses her outside voice to belt out a song at school, causing a sudden growth spurt, presumably as a result of a big boost in confidence. What? Strange illustrations of a menagerie of fully clothed animals add to the oddity of this tale.
June 24, 2023
This was a fun book about a little mouse that finds her voice, and learns to love herself! This story had a great message for kids, and my daughter really enjoyed it. She acted out the scenes as I was reading. We had a lot of fun with this one!
June 30, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher.
August 28, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. Such a great way to show gifts that people have and how sometimes it’s hard to handle them. My 2 year old loves the story and how Dee gets “big, big, big”!
October 28, 2022
Beautiful imagery and delightful illustrations.
October 31, 2022
The artwork is beautiful and it teaches kids to 1) follow your dreams and 2) not to let anything stop you
November 4, 2022
Joyous picture book on finding your voice and not playing small.
November 7, 2022
Cute book!
November 21, 2022
I received an eARC courtesy of Disney-Hyperion.
January 12, 2023
Fun book (and song) about celebrating what makes you YOU.
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January 24, 2023cute exploration of being ones beautiful self!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews