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Horatio Squeak
Award-winning children's fiction author Karen Foxlee makes her picture book debut with this classic hero story about the difference one small voice can make.
In a very fine house, on a very grand street, Lived the tiniest mouse you could possibly meet. The youngest of twelve, he was timid and slight, But he was always, ALWAYS very polite.
When tiny Horatio Squeak is invited to a mysterious party at the top of the stairs, he finds himself in the unexpected company of kittens with dreadfully bright teeth and dreadfully sharp claws. Despite their intimidating appearance, the kittens are welcoming hosts who seem to enjoy Horatio's company. But when they spot a bird in the window, they cannot resist the urge to catch it. As Horatio watches on with horror, he finds the courage to speak out and save the scared bird. With his newfound bravery, Horatio returns home feeling stronger and not nearly so small.
In a very fine house, on a very grand street, Lived the tiniest mouse you could possibly meet. The youngest of twelve, he was timid and slight, But he was always, ALWAYS very polite.
When tiny Horatio Squeak is invited to a mysterious party at the top of the stairs, he finds himself in the unexpected company of kittens with dreadfully bright teeth and dreadfully sharp claws. Despite their intimidating appearance, the kittens are welcoming hosts who seem to enjoy Horatio's company. But when they spot a bird in the window, they cannot resist the urge to catch it. As Horatio watches on with horror, he finds the courage to speak out and save the scared bird. With his newfound bravery, Horatio returns home feeling stronger and not nearly so small.
- GenresPicture Books
Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
24 people want to read
About the author
Karen Foxlee
23 books256 followersKaren Foxlee is an Australian author who lives and writes in Queensland. Her young adult novels The Anatomy of Wings (UQP/Knopf/Atlantic) and The Midnight Dress (Knopf/UQP/Hot Key Books) have been published internationally to much acclaim. The Anatomy of Wings won the Commonwealth Writers Prize Best First Book 2008 (South Asia/Pacific), the Dobbie Award 2008, and a Parent’s Choice Gold Award in the U.S. The Midnight Dress was selected as an ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults title in 2014. Foxlee’s first middle grade novel Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy (Knopf / Hot Key Books) was published in January 2014 and to date has received several starred reviews.
Karen Foxlee was born in Mount Isa, Queensland in 1971. She has worked most of her adult life as a registered nurse, has a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in creative writing, and lives in Gympie, Australia.
Karen Foxlee was born in Mount Isa, Queensland in 1971. She has worked most of her adult life as a registered nurse, has a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in creative writing, and lives in Gympie, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 5, 2019
I was a little nervous about this debut picture book by Karen Foxlee. Timid, shy Horatio going off to visit unknown friends on his own after getting an anonymous friend invite in the mail (was this going to be a cautionary tale about online safety)?
The new friends turn out to be three kittens who like to play with mice (was this going to be a bully story)!
However their mother insists that they play nicely and teaches them how to polite and kind.
Horatio also helps them to see the point of view of small bird who they initially think it might be fun to 'play with'.
In the end, Horatio Squeak was a tale about being brave, reaching out to make new friends and standing up for what you know is right.
Delightful and charming, as you would expect from Foxlee.
The new friends turn out to be three kittens who like to play with mice (was this going to be a bully story)!
However their mother insists that they play nicely and teaches them how to polite and kind.
Horatio also helps them to see the point of view of small bird who they initially think it might be fun to 'play with'.
In the end, Horatio Squeak was a tale about being brave, reaching out to make new friends and standing up for what you know is right.
Delightful and charming, as you would expect from Foxlee.
September 7, 2019
This book was only recently released, but already has the vibe of an old school classic. From the rhyming text, to the illustrations – its reminds me of books I had when I was little. Even the title of this one is super sweet – I just wished there were more people in the world named Horatio.
The story follows a little mouse, the youngest of twelve, who is “always, ALWAYS, very polite’. He is small and weak (as described by the narrator) but also quite adorable with his threadbare jacket and red glasses. One day little Horatio gets something in the mail which rocks his mixy matchy socks – a party invitation! And he must muster the courage to go.
It is a really sweet tale that has an old timey feel to it that I just adored. It is all about dealing with the small feats in life, like getting ready and going to a party. And boy is it worth it when he gets there – you won’t believe who he gets to party with… Even I felt a little nervous for Horatio at one stage.
Horatio is a super likeable character with a very real and personable problem – this book is great for anyone who has ever felt nervous and experienced some social anxiety (haven’t we all at some stage!). It also shows the importance of standing up for what you believe in and for those who need our help. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the little hints of humour make this one a fabulous book you will want to read again and again.
It is a little on the longer side, so would suit older audiences of five plus, and I wonder if maybe it could have been cut a bit shorter. Ultimately, this is a beautiful book with a wonderful message!
The story follows a little mouse, the youngest of twelve, who is “always, ALWAYS, very polite’. He is small and weak (as described by the narrator) but also quite adorable with his threadbare jacket and red glasses. One day little Horatio gets something in the mail which rocks his mixy matchy socks – a party invitation! And he must muster the courage to go.
It is a really sweet tale that has an old timey feel to it that I just adored. It is all about dealing with the small feats in life, like getting ready and going to a party. And boy is it worth it when he gets there – you won’t believe who he gets to party with… Even I felt a little nervous for Horatio at one stage.
Horatio is a super likeable character with a very real and personable problem – this book is great for anyone who has ever felt nervous and experienced some social anxiety (haven’t we all at some stage!). It also shows the importance of standing up for what you believe in and for those who need our help. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the little hints of humour make this one a fabulous book you will want to read again and again.
It is a little on the longer side, so would suit older audiences of five plus, and I wonder if maybe it could have been cut a bit shorter. Ultimately, this is a beautiful book with a wonderful message!
June 12, 2019
Horatio is the youngest mouseling of 12 who gets a little lost in the crowd at times. He is tiny and quiet but always very polite, attributes that don't always equate to making major headlines in life until one day, the dubious new tenants from five floors up invite Horatio to their party.
Although their intentions seem a little suspect, Horatio allows himself to be drawn into their circle of crackers and cheese, rambunctious play and friendship. A cat however will always be a cat it seems and when one of the kittens captures a robin, Horatio is unable to bear the torment they inflict upon the poor bird. Their questionable behaviour prompts Horatio to finally find his voice and amazingly, they stop at his insistence.
It's uncertain as to whether this little pip of a mouse will venture upstairs again to resume his unlikely friendship with the kittens but one thing is certain; his courage is bolstered and his spirit is strengthen by this encounter so that he no longer feels quite so weak.
Foxlee's debut picture book carries the all hallmarks of accomplished heart-infused narrative (typical of her YA and MG novels) and despite the dubitable actions of the cats, this sweet tale about emotional growth, self-assurance and self-belief is sure to resound loudly with young folk. Divinely illustrated by Evie Barrow, this story told in verse rhymes effortlessly and is pure joy to read aloud.
Although their intentions seem a little suspect, Horatio allows himself to be drawn into their circle of crackers and cheese, rambunctious play and friendship. A cat however will always be a cat it seems and when one of the kittens captures a robin, Horatio is unable to bear the torment they inflict upon the poor bird. Their questionable behaviour prompts Horatio to finally find his voice and amazingly, they stop at his insistence.
It's uncertain as to whether this little pip of a mouse will venture upstairs again to resume his unlikely friendship with the kittens but one thing is certain; his courage is bolstered and his spirit is strengthen by this encounter so that he no longer feels quite so weak.
Foxlee's debut picture book carries the all hallmarks of accomplished heart-infused narrative (typical of her YA and MG novels) and despite the dubitable actions of the cats, this sweet tale about emotional growth, self-assurance and self-belief is sure to resound loudly with young folk. Divinely illustrated by Evie Barrow, this story told in verse rhymes effortlessly and is pure joy to read aloud.
July 15, 2019
There is a delightfully nostalgic feel to this heart-warming story of little Horatio Squeak. The slightly anxious and small mouse Horatio is invited to a party at the top of the attic stairs. Although he is reluctant to attend his mother encourages him and sends him with a thimble of cake crumbs. Readers themselves have serious misgivings about the adventure when they realise that the party is actually held at the home of a family of cats. The three kittens enjoy playing with Horatio immensely and he also enjoys their company. When Horatio sees that their play has turned quite nasty, when the kittens grab a little red robin and begin to torment it, he tells his new friends, quite politely, to stop what they are doing. When they listen to him and free the bird Horatio feels proud of himself and discovers his own strength of character. The gouache and pencil illustrations are delightful and a perfect match for the rhythmical and rhyming text. This is a perfect read aloud book.
Suitable for 5+
http://classroom.walkerbooks.com.au/h...
July 17, 2019
A wonderful moral tale about standing up for what is right, even when you're quite small and scared! There is a lot of text in this book considering the picture book format usually has few words per page, but the use of rhyme keeps the story flowing easily and it is very engaging.
January 24, 2020
Lovely illustrations and a good rhyme and most importantly the three year old keeps requesting it.
August 2, 2020
Just divine. So sweet and charming, with the most lyrical rhyme. Great lessons in the importance of manners and also in overcoming your shyness and speaking up when you witness something wrong.
April 19, 2021
Little and powerful. Gorgeous!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews