The Friendly Mouse

by Sophia R. Tyler

A Small Mouse with a Big Heart Changes the World One Friend at a Time. . .

Mouse is a field mouse who loves living in the country, but works in the city. This leaves him with a major problem: he is constantly late for work. In the face of losing his job, Mouse makes a bold, faith-filled choice that could cost him everything.

An unexpected story about how a little mouse overwhelmed with his own struggles finds himself to be the miracle prayed for by another.

Genres: Childrens

38 pages, Hardcover

First published March 21, 2022

About the author

Sophia R. Tyler thinks back on the countless nights spent with her mom and sisters, reading books before bed. Ending the day by escaping into books with her sisters and mom, brought her feelings of warmth, safety and coziness. And ever since then, books have had that same effect. She hopes that the Jesus-inspired morals resonate with readers and brings similar feelings to those she felt as a kid.
Sophia likes to think about times people have shown kindness to her in times of need and how much that meant to her. The Friendly Mouse is a sweet reminder of how acts of kindness can go a long way. A comedian and actor named Robin Williams said it best:
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about, so be kind, always.”

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

We seem to have forgotten how to be kind not only towards others but also towards ourselves.

This little storybook is a good reminder of this!

This is the story of a hardworking mouse struggling to make ends meet but also working for a difficult boss. However, things get worse but, yes like most of us, we seem to forget to pray and calm ourselves down to think about what we can do next whenever things become difficult.

I say never underestimate the power of prayers.

Such a good little story. The illustration is amazing. The presentation and the actual content give more than what you expect from the cover.

Thank you, Tiger Lily Publishing, for the advance reading copy.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would have to be one of the cutest picture books I have read in such a long time, reading it - I filled with glee as you just couldn't help smiling and caring for the little mouse. Like, the title - he was just a friendly mouse. The story is about our little country mouse who works at a cheese factory and as he loves in the country, he has to walk a long way and for a tiny mouse with small legs. He gets to work late and is very tired and his boss Mr. Roo gets angry at him. One day our little friendly mouse overhears Mr. Roo stress and decides to help him. The next day, the little Mouse wakes up to a present from Mr. Roo for his kindness and a lovely gesture. The moral of this story is if you are friendly and do something kind for someone - the karma points you receive are tenfold. Overall, not only is the story super sweet and lovely good tale - the illustrations are very well created for an indie read and so beautiful. The Friendly Little Mouse is a sophisticated picture book and worth reading to children aged 6-9 years old.

[Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Friendly Mouse is a sweet and heartfelt story about a country mouse who, while struggling with his own work, finds it in his heart to spread kindness. The story is a fun read with beautiful, colorful, and imaginative illustrations to show to young children as you read. The story has a wonderful moral and is a fun and exciting tale. I also really enjoyed how the back of the book has a list of hidden items to find and topics to discuss. This is a great way to continue the conversation about kindness with your kids and have a fun game to play as you reread. The book references God and prayer, so if you are also looking for a Christian story, this is a great option. The Friendly Mouse is an excellent read for parents, teachers, or childcare professionals looking for a cute story with a good moral for young children.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praying for help, discovering kindness – a special tale for children

Author Sophia R Tyler appears to be making her publishing debut in children’s books with this successful volume, THE FRIENDLY MOUSE. Her fine story is enhanced by the excellent illustrations of artist Matthew Sample II.

Mouse lives in the country and works in The Cheese Factory in the distant city to which he must walk everyday – a long stretch that tires him. Mouse notes Seagull flying overhead and asks him for a lift. Seagull says he is too heavy and The Cheese Factory is too far away. Mouse arrives at work, late as usual, is berated for his tardiness by his boss Mr. Roo, as usual, and this routine repeats. Mouse seeks Seagull’s help another day, and is rejected again. At work he overhears Mr. Roo and discovers his boss is frustrated with business. Mouse says a prayer for help, goes into Mr. Roo’s office and cleans it for him – surprising his boss with his kindness. Thinking he has no hope, on another day Mouse discovers a red car in front of his house, an appreciative gift from Mr. Roo for Mouse’s kindness. Mouse drives his new gift car to work, sees Seagull walking (due to a broken wing), offers him a ride – and the gift of kindness plays on.

Sweet story with solid messages, this book suggests there is a new, important author for meaningful children’s books.

[M. K. French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mouse lives in the country but works in the city, so he's constantly late. When he's at risk of losing his job, Mouse makes a faith-based choice that changes everything.

Of course, Mouse works at a Cheese Factory, which is an adorable and no doubt tempting place to work. His long walk from the country is exhausting, which any adult with a long commute understands. Either he arrives late or he falls asleep, either of which could get him fired. While praying for an answer, he overheard his boss talking about the mess of paperwork in his office. This was something Mouse could take care of; by helping his boss, he is given a gift in return. Mouse then decides to extend his kindness to others, even those who hadn't helped him.

The Friendly Mouse is an adorably illustrated book for young children. Its lesson is fairly obvious for adults, but children do need to see that kindness brings many gifts when it's given to others. It's not a tangible reward that is important, though, of course, those are nice, too. We also see the intangible rewards that can be so much more valuable: friendship and understanding. Mouse's kindness to his boss, even in the face of being yelled at, shows us how small gestures can magnify over time, and become bigger as other people are helped as well. We can all use a little grace and kindness and help lift each other up as much as we are able to.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the lesson of kindness and compassion this book shares is timeless and super important for kids to learn early on. Others may not always be kind to us, but stepping outside that hurt and still showing kindness and compassion can really make a difference. And you never know when that kindness will be returned to you.

I don't think I realized this book would have a religious slant before I joined the tour, but it's not pushing anything strongly. This is just more of a head's up. 

The illustrations were cute, especially of the little mouse family. The colors are bright and fun. I mostly enjoyed the emotions as they were drawn very clearly on the character's faces.

[Grymm Gevierre · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a neat little children’s book written by someone who knows the importance of kindness. It’s got a little bit of compassion, religion (God), and fun for a whole lot of book for a children’s book. The message is sound: Be kind and compassionate, and treat others as you want to be treated, and you’ll get what you deserve. Sometimes we struggle, but hard work pays off. Tyler does a good job capturing this in a children’s story.

The story itself is about a kind little Mouse that doesn’t catch a break. Boss is always angry, and no one seems willing to help him, but he goes out of his way despite all this to be kind and help others. His kindness is noticed and rewarded, and after getting the help he needs? His kindness continues to those that many of us would just pass on by. Well done, good children’s book!

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tiny male field mouse goes out each day to earn a living for his large family in a cheese factory which is located in a distant city. Each day is a struggle to get to work on time as he has such a long way to travel and his mode of transportation is his tiny feet. This causes problems and he is constantly late for work and exhausted when he gets there. His harried grumpy boss is not amused at his tardiness and reprimands his lateness. He is told that if he continues to be late he will be out of job! Oh my, if he is fired whatever will his big family do?



Mouse knows his family is depending on him to supply them with food and shelter and knows how important his job is for their welfare.

He gets down on his knees and asks God to give him wisdom. He is very worried as he is the main breadwinner. Lovingly God shows him a pathway to success.

Mouse has a kind giving heart and he reaches out to help those in need around him. His kindness does not go unnoticed, especially from his controlling angry boss. Mouse voluntarily helps organize his boss's messy office and his kind deed does not go unnoticed. Mouse discovers a red sports car in his driveway one morning with a thank you note from Mr. Roo, his boss. It is a token of appreciation from his boss for Mouse's kind deed.

Mouse is elated with the gift. He proudly and happily zooms off to work. On the way he sees Seagull ( who previously had spurned mouse from catching a ride with him) walking now due to a broken wing. Kind mouse, holding no grudges, stops and offers Seagull a ride in his shiny new car toy. Mouse is happy to give him a lift and his kind heart reaches out to be of help.

This sweet story has a wonderful moral highlighting the importance of passing on kindness. Being kind and compassionate always wins! Kindness begets kindness! The book highlights the significance of the Golden Rule. I love the positive message of do onto others as you would have them do onto you. I highly recommend this book and love the illustrations.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Alyssashelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this arc ! I enjoyed this book and the pictures. This book genuinely mad me happy ! It was so cute and sweet

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, these illustrations are adorable! I loved them. I wasn’t crazy about the story. Although it’s a nice lesson to teach kids to help those who need it, it’s also setting up some unrealistic expectations about how the world is (big tangible gifts for being nice). I did like the little section at the back with questions for parents and kids to discuss. Overall, a cute story with wonderful illustrations that will help teach kids the importance of kindness.

[Lite Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Friendly Mouse was an unexpectedly touching story. It’s about how a little mouse, overwhelmed with his own struggles, finds himself to be the miracle prayed for by another.

It is such a lovely little story, my young one loved this book. The illustrations are beautiful and the moral of the story is just as lovely. Not only was this a great bedtime read, it also helps teach the kids the importance of kindness and humility. A very positive message, 5 stars from me.

[Sara Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute book! It has great illustrations and it explains the concept of the golden rule perfectly.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Friendly Mouse is a story about kindness and compassion. It is about a country mouse who works in the city, and has trouble getting to work on time because he has to walk so far. When he asks for help, he doesn't receive it. This weighs on him, so he prays for guidance. Then, he is able to help his boss, and is rewarded with a nice gift. This gift allows him to be kind to another animal, the seagull, who ignored his requests. The mouse chose kindness.
This is a nice moral for everyone. The pictures in this book are colorful and bright. The activities at the end of the book provide another dimension for children to be involved with the book, making it more interactive.

[Ancillar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful read about the power of kindness and character . A must read !!

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much about this book, which is simply to love.

Mouse has issues making it to work, since he lives so far away, and might loose his job. At work, his boss complains about his own troubles. Not sure what to do about any of it, Mouse says a little prayer and decides, at least, to help his boss. When the boss sees a suddenly, very clean office, he's extremely thankful and gives Mouse a car in return. Now, Mouse can make it to work, but under way, he notices that a bird could use his help. And so the kindness continues.

First off, the entire message won me over, since it's one that our world definitely could hear much more often. Mouse might have problems, but instead of sitting on his own, he reaches out and still offers whatever help he can with no expectations of a thank-you or return of the favor. Kindness and selflessness take a front seat and drive this tale forward from beginning to end.

Then, there's the mouse. So cute! He works in a Cheese Factory...I mean, how neat is that even if it sounds cliche? Sometimes cliches are awesome. And he has problems that even the adult reader can relate to (rushing to work...tired when there). The illustrations do a very good job at bringing the scenes and world across with all of its imagination and details. Young readers can take the book and follow these on their own, and know exactly what is happening.

Lastly, I appreciate how subtly the religious aspect is woven in. It is not at the forefront of the tale, and yet, it holds an important pivotal point. Many readers are religious (whatever their faith may be), and this allows that aspect to flow right in naturally without shoving it in the face...more like reality.

One more lastly: As if all of this wasn't enough, there is a list in the back of objects young readers/listeners can go back and find in the illustrations, and there are a few ideas to lead to discussions and thought.

It was a treat to read, and I do hope that more books like this are on their way. I received an ARC (although I took a bit longer to get to it) and am adding this book to my favorite reads for 2022.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should be a success, with its bright design, obvious morals and lessons and decent plot for the very young reader. Our hero Mouse is getting told off for getting to work late at the cheese factory, but no end of effort is put into walking there – and then leaving him too tired to give of his best. But this Mouse knows all about turning the other cheek, and how a problem shared is a problem halved, and about doing unto others etc, and so makes not only himself but others happy and grateful. A few things to point out, however – the digital file seemed to lose a page when the grudging gull returns the second day, so you too might see a non sequitur in play here; this is perfectly secular but for just a few mentions of a religious reason for this to exist; and for a book that's supposed to be so very Christian, demoting the artist to just the one mention inside and not on the cover is a very awkward position to hold. For me, as engaging to the right audience as the text is, the bright, clear, characterful design was the greater achievement here. Four stars slightly grudgingly given, then, in full-on seagull manner.

[Yvonesis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big reason for me reading The Friendly Mouse was because of the authors bio:

Sophia R. Tyler thinks back on the countless nights spent with her mom and sisters, reading books before bed. Ending the day by escaping into books with her sisters and mom, brought her feelings of warmth, safety and coziness. And ever since then, books have had that same effect. She hopes that the Jesus-inspired morals resonate with readers and brings similar feelings to those she felt as a kid.

Sophia likes to think about times people have shown kindness to her in times of need and how much that meant to her. The Friendly Mouse is a sweet reminder of how acts of kindness can go a long way. A comedian and actor named Robin Williams said it best:

"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about, so be kind, always."

These are the principles I like to teach to my children, so I thought this little story would help to do just that. There are also some really cute illustrations and activities to accompany the book, and my little ones absolutely loved it. It’ll be a frequent re-read at bed times, I’m sure.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable book for kids. It teaches a person compassion and how to be thoughtful. I especially liked how even after the book is done, there are a few activities for you to do. The pictures and moral of the story are lovely.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of faith and compassion, from a country mouse who has to walk so far away for work. Until he kneels down and pray, and let God take his problem. A good reminder for me too, to seek His counsel in time of needs.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of a little mouse who is having a hard time getting to work on time and have enough energy to keep up the demands of a high-stress cheese factory environment. He gets in a lot of trouble with his boss and is eventually fired. He tries to make things right by praying for an answer and by trying to help his boss even after he is fired. He is then rewarded by his boss with a car the next day. The boss begins to show empathy and understanding and the two work together by being kind and helping complete the work that needs to be done.

I like the lesson in the story, but as a public school teacher I'm not sure it would fit well in my non-secular classroom. That being said, for christian/catholic schools or families who are religious this is an excellent book for teaching about being kind to others even when they are not kind to you and would recommend this book. I also appreciate that the font is large and easy to read and the pictures are very interesting and detailed. I think this book would be perfect for children in the 4-8 age range as they could work their way up to reading it as they progress in learning to read, however it is also a nice book for shared reading experiences.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mouse lives in the country and workes in the village because he has to walk, He is late to work almost every day. When the head mouse at the cheese factory tells him either show up on time or you won’t have to show up at all! Most knows he must find an alternative way to get to work that’s faster. He asked the crane he passes every day if he could fly him to work?, But the crane is adamant he isn’t bringing a filthy mouse anywhere! Mouse worries over his dilemma, but at the same time remains nice and considerate of others by doing this and for others he solve his own problem. This was such a great book. I loved it through his kindness he sold his own issue. I read this book for a child who is legally blind and she loved staring at the vibrant pictures and this is one of her favorite books. I believe it is a Tigerlily production and find all the books are really good. I highly recommend this book for any child and it teaches lessons we should all know and that is the big kind to everyone! Please forgive any grammatical and punctuation errors as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Friendly Mouse is a story of a field mouse who uses faith and kindness to improve his life and the lives of those around him. The books positive message of kindness and helpfulness is certainly one that I can endorse.

First, the illustrations were eye catching, detailed and age appropriate. I like that it showed parts of the mouse's life that was not represented in the text.

Unfortunately, I found the story unnecessarily wordy. The intro line "Once Upon Time" is over used and does not fit well. Starting with the following line would have worked. For a christian children's book, prayer and god were mentioned minimally in almost a gratuitous way. The ideas of having a boss and job are not ones that I think children can relate to. A school setting may have been more appropriate.

Lastly, I felt like the story lacked balance in teaching how to help others while also having boundaries.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindness and its reward are the theme for this interesting little book. Mouse needs help, but Seagull says he's too busy, and Mouse's boss is very crabby. Mouse says a prayer and does an unasked for favor for the boss followed by one for Seagull. Nice story.
Matthew Sample II is the creativity behind the colorful and imaginative illustrations.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Tiger Lily Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Kaylee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. I think it includes some adult issues (ex work, stress) that kids don’t relate to. My son is very young and this didn’t keep his attention for more than the first few pages.