Archibald's Swiss Cheese Mountain

This is a truly adorable book about Archibald, and adorable little mouse who is learning to explore the world around him and to do things on his own without the help of his mother. Archibald learns some valuable life lessons during his adventures including ALWAYS listen to what your mom tells you (don't we all wish our children did that!). Archibald learns how to chase his dreams and encourages children to do that same. I give this wonderful book a "two thumbs up".

Doing new things is always exciting but also a little scary too. That's the way it was for Archibald Mouse on his first trip to the Mr. Hochmeyer's store. Archibald's mother had taught him all he needed to know for his big day. He knew how to use his whiskers to measure holes that would safely fit his body. He had learned which sounds to ignore and which meant danger was near. Then, the big day arrived. Mr. Hochmeyer's store was full of all sorts of new sights and tastes. Archibald was excited beyond belief. That is until he realized that his mother had left him to explore on his own. Then, Archibald had to practice all the things his mother had taught him. Archibald's Swiss Cheese Mountain is a fun story with wonderful illustrations. Archibald is a great role model for us all. He shows us that new adventures can be exciting and scary but over time you gain confidence in your skills.

Every so often you run across a book, either an "adult" book or a children's book which, after reading the first couple of pages, you come to the realization that you have come across something different, something quite special! Archibald's Swiss Cheese Mountain by Sylvia Lieberman and illustrated by Jeremy Wendell is one of those special books! I cannot remember when I have been so delighted with an original work such as this one! There is something quite special about this story, and the so very many lessons to learn from reading it. Archibald is a young mouse who lives with is family in Mr. Hochmeyer's General Store. Archibald is a young mouse and is learning about life; is wanting to spread his wings, so to speak, and is filled with the want, wonder, need and hunger for adventure that most young people (a mouse in this case) are naturally filled with at that age. Archibald is lucky, he has a mother that is filled with wisdom and does not mind sharing it. "Measure with your whiskers," Momma Mouse repeated. They are the width of your body. If your whiskers fit, so will the rest of you, my son," and "things within such an easy reach aren't always most desirable," are but two examples. This entire story is based on Archibald's adventures in Mr. Hochmeyer's store. It is a story of adventure, discovery of his physical surroundings and indeed, discovery of himself as a mouse. Our little furry friend is, for the most part, driven by a preoccupation for food...what youngster isn't driven by this? Or is this just an excuse to do what comes naturally for the young and young at heart, exploration of their physical limitations and to experience life on their own and to its fullest? I have my own suspicions, but each reader can make their own mind up about this. Anyway, throughout his adventures, momma's wisdom and advice is always with him. This story hit rather close to home for me. My mother was much like Archibald's mother in that she was full of wisdom and good advice. And like Archibald's mother, she was wise enough to know that I had to experience life on my own, to have my own adventures and that you can give a child all the advice you want, but the child is going to test their limits anyway. "Smother the boy and spoil the man," was one of my mother's little sayings. I could relate to this little mouse as he and I had and have many of the same characteristics. The author has wonderful insight into a child's mind! The story is very well written and Mrs. Lieberman has used a lyrical style that is absolutely captivating. The story flows in a way that makes the entire work a true page turner. Hidden within the prose is all kinds of good advice, some quite obvious, some not, but nevertheless, all sound and all good. Over and over again the author stresses that that there will be obstacles in life, indeed fears of the unknown, but that these little bumps can be overcome. The story is about hunger, not only physical hunger, but intellectual hunge

Forget Mickey Mouse, welcome to the world of Archibald, an adorable mouse with a big heart and a grand sense of adventure. Archibald is finally big enough to go into the world alone and find his own food. Mother has taught him to never enter a opening unless his whiskers fit, "If your whiskers fit, so will the rest of you, my son." Archibald soon learns that being on his own can be scary. When he discovers Swiss Cheese Mountain, he knows this will feed him for a very long time. But tackling Swiss Cheese Mountain is just the beginning of his troubles! Archibald is so cute and curious, children will enjoy reading of his adventures. The illustrations are wonderful and they really depict the true nature of this special little mouse. I love the dedication in this book: Archibald's Swiss Cheese Mountain is dedicated to children all over the world who have ever felt hungry for food, love or adventure. This book was the winner of the Best Children's Book Hollywood Book Festival Competition 2008 - congratulations!

Archibald is adorable! Kids will love him in this, his first adventure. He's young, sweet, innocent and curious about the world around him - just like you! This is a book that kids will want to read, and have read to them, over and over. The illustrations are especially sweet, really conveying the cuteness of this mouse. Whoever this illustrator is will go far! My kids and I loved everything about this book. Highly recommended.