The Library Mouse

Quill the mouse lives in a library where everyday he watches the faces of children enjoying story time and wishes that he could be an author one day. With the help of his friend, Leggsy the spider, he tries to get his story noticed- but with no success. However, just as he starts to lose hope, his dearest dream comes true.

There is so much to recommend this beautiful story! Starting with the setting, it shows a love of libraries, books and story time which is a joy to see. The illustrations show a wealth of book-ish wonder, the perfect backdrop to Quill’s dreams, and sure to encourage children to share stories of their favourite books- and libraries!

Quill himself is a wonderful character. With support from Leggsy, his spidery friend, his determination to share his story and fulfil his ambition to be an author is admirable. With each setback, he tries again until…but I won’t spoil the story for you! The illustrator shows a wonderful range of expressions on his little face as Quill experiences a whole range of emotions on his journey to become an author, encouraging empathy with his feelings as well as admiration for his tenacity as a mouse trying to be heard in the human world!

Told in rhyme, the text is a joy to read aloud, using some wonderful vocabulary. His ‘frisky friend’ Leggsy ‘jitterbugged by’, for example, whilst Quill ‘whisker-wobblingly wept’. There is so much here to explore and enjoy! Advice at the back of the book encourages children to have the confidence to write their own stories, finding their own way to share these. I am sure some will be inspired to make tiny books like Quill’s and create a library of their own!

The Library Mouse

Frances Tosdevin and Sophia O’Connor

UCLan ISBN: 978-1915235893

Published on the 4th April 2024

You can read my review of ‘An Artist’s Eyes’ here.

Speak Up!

Rocket loves going to the library with her mum and big brother, Jamal and is devastated to learn that the library has to close as there is not enough money to keep it open. However, Rocket has been reading a book about Rosa Parks, and decides that she (Rocket) must follow Rosa’s example and SPEAK UP! about the importance of libraries. Can she save the day- and the library?

Since ‘Look Up!’, Rocket has been one of my favourite picture book characters. Her determination, resilience and optimism in each story are an absolute joy and the stories are perfect for sharing and enjoying time and again. ‘Speak Up!’ is her latest adventure- and it is even better than the others!

The subject matter is very close to my heart. The essential role libraries play in communities, the haven they provide, the wealth of books they hold, the possibilities and lifelong learning and joy they offer- the value of these things cannot be underestimated. Through Rocket’s experience, conversations about their importance and the need to safeguard them for future generations can be started, particularly given the current budget cuts.

Rocket uses Rosa Parks (who she read about in a book borrowed from the library!) as her role model and the story shows that peaceful protest can bring about change. The library is saved by the generosity of individuals- not by the local council having a change of heart- people inspired by Rocket and the community speaking up for what they believe is worth fighting for.

Illustrations and text work in complete harmony. Rocket’s vivacity, her loving family, the energy of the campaign are all captured brilliantly, making each spread a joy to linger over and explore. I love spotting books I recognise on Rocket’s bookshelves and outside the library van!

Sure to be every bit the success of the two previous books, ‘Speak Up!’ is a powerful, heart-warming story for everyone to enjoy.

Speak Up!

Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola

Puffin ISBN: 978-0241345870