Saturday, June 24, 2023

A New House for Mouse by Petr Horácek

Little Mouse has a problem. She lives in a tiny hole. She sees a delicious apple on her doorstep but it is way too big to bring into her little home. 

"My house is too small ... perhaps I should look for a bigger one.' So off she set."

As she moves through the forest Little Mouse sees lots of new homes but alas all of them are occupied. 

"Looking for a new house makes you hungry,' said Little Mouse as she took a few bites of the juicy apple."

Have you worked this out?  Your preschool reader might too.  Yes, that apple is going to get smaller and smaller. Mole says no, Rabbit says no, Badger says no, and bear - well bear seems a bit too scary. Then Mouse arrives at the perfect little hole. 

"There was no one at home. Little Mouse went right in and pulled her apple behind her. It fitted perfectly ... and she climbed into her own bed and feel fast asleep."



Now for the sad news. This book was published in 2006 and so it is now out of print. The illustrations are scrumptious - I do hope you can find a copy in a library. This book is perfect to share with a group of preschool children and it would make a fabulous board book . I wonder if the publisher ever considered doing this. It has peep through holes and a very satisfying story reminiscent of books by Pat Hutchins such as Shrinking Mouse.

I haven't seen these mouse books by Petr Horácek, but I imagine they also explore different concepts and follow the adventures of this same little mouse character. 


Petr’s books have received international accolades and recognition, including Best Picture Book of the Year in Holland for A New House for Mouse. Petr Horacek is a Czech born illustrator who studied for six years at the Academy of Fine Art in Prague before become a graphic designer, painter and author-illustrator. Now living in England, he made his publishing debut with “Strawberries Are Red” and “What is Black and White?”  Puffin Peter was short-listed for the 2012 Kate Greenaway Medal.

Here are some other books illustrated by Petr Horacek





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