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.

An Artist’s Eyes

Mo and Jo might have eyes which look the same, but the way in which they see things is completely different. Mo has an artist’s eyes and as they walk together, she describes all the colours she can see. Jo, however, cannot see things as she does and he wishes he had artist’s eyes like hers. But Mo is gentle as she encourages Jo to keep looking and keep seeing and gradually, he begins to see things in his own way and realises that they both have artists’ eyes which see things uniquely.

This is such a beautiful and inspiring book in many ways. Any book which stimulates curiosity about, or love for, art is always going to be a huge hit with me, but this is really special. How many of us have come to learn that we can’t draw or paint- that we are not artistic? As Jo continues his journey with Mo, his mind set changes and he gains confidence. He begins to trust his own eyes and realise that everyone views the world in different ways. Everyone needs to develop this belief!

Clemence Monnet’s glorious illustrations are completely enchanting, complementing the text perfectly. Mo sees ‘dazzling duck-egg blue, a swirl of peacocks and the inky indigo of evening’ and encourages Jo to see in his own way. The illustrative styles used by Clemence Monnet hint at the work of different artists and approaches, encouraging exploration and experimentation.

The story is perfect for sharing with children to remind them that there is no ‘right’ way to be creative and it is important to express yourself with individuality. Children could experiment in the different styles of the illustrations, playing with colours and developing their own techniques.

A story to share again and again, ‘An Artist’s Eyes’ is a very special book.

An Artist’s Eyes Frances Tosdevin and Clémence Monnet

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711264830