Mousekin's Close Call

Mousekin #9

by Edna Miller

Mousekin decides to try some defense techniques to avoid becoming a victim of the bigger forest animals.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Born in 1920 and grew up in NYC. Later lived in Vermont and Maryland.

"As a child I developed a great love of animals. At the zoo in Central Park, I made childish sketches of my favorite animals. The Museum of Natural History was my second home.......The idea for my first book, Mousekin's Golden House, came to me shortly after Halloween when I had put the family pumpkin outside. One evening I noticed a small, white-footed mouse exploring the jack-o'-lantern for the few seeds it contained. I thought what a fine house it would make for a white-footed mouse who forever discards one home and searches for another."

"Edna Miller grew up in New York City near The American Museum of Natural History where the animal exhibits always interested her. During her travels in this country and abroad, Mrs. Miller has observed the behavior and habits of animal life. After completing Mousekin's Christmas Eve, Mrs. Miller felt there was only one reward she could give the live mouse she was using as her model. He had been well fed and exercised, but a wire cage was no place for a healthy mouse. She 'carried the cage to the woods and opened the door-- to freedom.'" --from the dustjacket of Mousekins's Christmas Eve.

Reviews

[Concetta Kellough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about being cocky and not thinking you will succumb to danger. I thought it was a tad dull but made a good point.

[ThePinkCarrot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting little book about animals of the forest

[Paula Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An accurate depiction of what happens in the animal kingdom. Talks about playing possum and the importance of paying attention to one's surroundings. This is a great way to discuss safety in a way that is not scary to children, that allows children to understand that there is danger in the world and there are ways to combat dangerous situations.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 6yo really enjoys these books, which she first read at school. There's something special about books that are illustrated by the author, and these illustrations are especially lovely.

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read with Julia.