Milly and Tilly: The Story of a Town Mouse and a Country Mouse

by Kate Summers, Maggie Kneen

A retelling of the classic fable follows two best friends, Milly and Tilly, two mice that live very different lives in very different surroundings, enhanced by richly detailed, full-color artwork.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1997

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story, cute idea, darling pictures! A little missing...

This story compares the lives of a country mouse and a city mouse, as each mouse goes to visit her friend at her home. It's a cute idea, showing the differences and what each mouse likes about her home. However, I felt the ending was a little lackluster...

SPOILER

While I'm totally fine with each mouse still preferring her home (country or city) after visiting the other, I thought the ending was rushed and somewhat unsatisfactory as neither mouse really tries to understand the other's home and why they would like it so much. I suppose there is a little of that, but I didn't feel there was enough resolution. Also, it kind of gave the impression that their homes and fears were a little more important than their friendships (it doesn't say this - but it doesn't say otherwise either...)

It's still very cute, but it could have been better.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork is lovely and I enjoyed the tale, but the story just didn't really sparkle for me. (Also, I thought that the reason that Tilly decides she doesn't like the city is a bit of a reach, considering the same thing could happen in the country.) Still, a pleasant read.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

What great illustrations! They were reminiscent of Beatrix Potter. Alissa loved the dollhouse that Milly lived in.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant story, attractive illustrations with lots of fun details.

[Eadrinor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story about how people can like different things but still be friends. Wonderful illustrations! The ending felt abrupt.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Girls thought this was cute. We talked a bit how different people like different things, but it's nice to share other's experiences even if they're not your favorite.

[CollectedJam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still have this book. It was my sons favorite one for me to read to him. Sweet with just enough adventure and friendship!

[Y.Poston]

a cute exploration of what it's like to be
a city mouse and a country mouse

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an absolutely adorable book that gives a warm twist on the 'country mouse city mouse' fable. It starts by talking about Tilly the country mouse and how even though she doesn't have money she lives comfortably. She enjoys her days and what she has. Then she receives a letter from her friend Milly from the city that will be coming for a visit. She stays for a few days and can't sleep because the country is too quiet. The sheep they find on a pleasant walk startles her 'cause she's never seen one before and so after a few days she decides it's time to go home. She invites Tilly to come with her. And she does. Come to find out Milly lives in a dollhouse with grand furnishings and decorations. The thing Tilly likes the best is the kitchen since she loves to cook and bakes but she is shocked to find out Milly never cooks she slips downstairs to the big kitchen to find things already laying around for her. But they encounter an old cat that nearly captures the two and scares Tilly so much she wants to go back home. They both decide that where they live is best for them but for their friend that is best for them. They stay friends forever and enjoy living where they live. The illustrations on this book is very sweet and captures a listeners attention on every page.

[Allison Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tilly is a country mouse through and through. Her friend, MIlly, however, is straght from the city. When MIlly comes to visit, these two realize there are a lot of differences between their two homes. In this children's book by Kate Summers, we learn the importance of loving who you are, and loving others for who they are as well. It's okay to love one place more than another, and it's okay for your friends to have other opinions. Illustrator Maggie Keen really brought this book to life. The minuetly detailed images of both the counrty and city landscapes really gave the reader the full experience of the difference between the two. Also, the interplay between the text and the pictures was very unique and fun, the words following along with the story and having a life of their own. Overall, I feel this book is perfect for any child, and it has a really strong plot, which isn't often found in young picture books.

[Audrey]

A very fun country mouse named Tilly is a loveable charecter. She has just as loveable friend named milly who is quiete the opposite because she is residing in the city. This book teaches children that yes where you come from can impact who you are,but to be accepting of others even if they are from other places. The story shows that when you have differences its okay and great to be friends who are different it makes life more fun and interesting. Everyone should stay true to who they are.
The illustrations of the book were very well drawn it showed the contrast from the city to the country.The details of the pictures showed the differences in living habits. The illustrations really brought the book to life. Milly and Tilly is a very good book for children just entering school so they can understand relationships with their peers.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cute Milly and Tilly book! We just found these books at the library this past week and Julia's fallen in love. I know we'll be checking more out soon and I'm thrilled because these are the first books of this length that she's interested in reading.
I love the way Milly and Tilly are so different and still able to be friends yet stick to what they like. Great lesson for kids.

[Sax7player7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

good picture book. one of my fav picture books! good pictures

[Toma Szabat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved to have this story, Town Mouse, Country Mouse, read to me as a child. This book is a nice variation to the story.

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another re-hashing of this time-honored tale (or tail ~hur hur~). Nothing new here, but still a pleasant little read.

Illustrations are nice, with lots of details.

[Katharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

great retelling of the fable with fun, detailed illustrations.