The Mouse who carried a House on his back by Jonathan Stutzman illustrations Isabelle Arsenault

"Vincent was a mouse with boots on his feet, a hat on his head, and a house on his back. ... today Vincent would live here, because he knew it was where he needed to be."

When I saw Canadian illustrator Isabelle Arsenault's name on the cover of this book I knew it would be amazing! The cover has a house shaped die-cut and look at the face of this little mouse - he is so happy! Now turn to the end papers which are filled with collage flowers.

Publisher blurb: When an ordinary spot on a grassy hill calls out to him, Vincent puts down the house he carries on his back and knows he’s where he needs to be. As hungry and tired travellers pass by, Vincent welcomes them into his home, making room for everyone. And even when it seems that the house is as full as it possibly can be, there is no woodland animal so big or so scary—not a ravenous cat, nor a fox, nor a whole herd of deer—that Vincent would turn it away from his warm, magical home on the hill.

Near the end of this book, which is filled with animals all seeking shelter, a bear arrives. The other animals have somehow all managed to fit into this very special house which looks small but which expands to perfect proportions with each new arrival. But this bear is huge and frightening. The animals all gather and say NO - the bear cannot come in!

"Vincent stood up as straight and tall as he could. 'This is my house,' he said. 'And in my house, all animals are welcome."

"The mouse took the bear's large paw in his own. 'There is always room here,' said Vincent."

This is a book you should add to your library shopping list today and it would make a beautiful gift for a young child too. 

Delicate gouache, ink, and cut-paper illustrations in a subdued palette mirror the quietness of the text, and seeing the home's interior colors brighten in contrast with the dull drizzle outside is especially satisfying. Kirkus

"When we open our hearts to others magical things can happen ..."  Colby Sharp

You can see inside The Mouse who carried a House on his Back here. Take a look at the web site for US author Jonathan Stutzman. 

I dedicated my new book, THE MOUSE WHO CARRIED A HOUSE ON HIS BACK, to my dear librarian friend who saved a mouse once that visited her library. And to anyone great or small who opens their heart (and home) to others. Jonathan Stutzman

Here is a vimeo showing the page turns.  And a video from Aaron's Books a book shop in Pennsylvania which is where Jonathan Stutzman lives. 

It would be great to pair this book with one of my all time favourite books - Shelter.

Shelter