Gingerbread Mouse

This is a sweet story we read every Christmas season. The book has beautifully colored illustrations and shows, in simple ways, self-ingenuity, hopefulness, sharing and kindness. The mouse becomes homeless suddenly and seeks shelter in the warm home of a family. The mouse then sets up house inside a gingerbread house. She is thrifty at making found objects into furnishings. Santa later visits and provides a longer-lasting home, albeit for the child of the household. This book is delightful for those young and young-at-heart who like miniatures, dollhouses, gingerbread, and Christmas. When I was a kid, I liked "The Borrowers" stories by Mary Norton and "Gingerbread Mouse" is a tad reminiscent.

It is Christmas Eve. The wind is blowing fiercely outside, and the snow is falling steadily. But even with the harsh weather, Mouse is unaffected, for she is tucked in all snug in her home at the base of a large tree. All of a sudden, Mouse is awakened from her sleep by a loud crack, and makes it outside safely just before a branch crushes her beloved abode. Mouse is now forced to trek through the cold, snowy, windy night in an attempt to find a new home, where she can curl up for a happy Christmas Eve. The task sounds easier than it truly is. With all of her precious belongings in tow, Mouse encounters many possible homes before she stumbles upon the perfect home for her to reside in. But only with a little Christmas magic is Mouse able to find her way inside, and claim the quaint little house as her own. Since reading Betty Boegehold's HERE'S PIPPA over ten years ago, I have always found myself drawn to tales about little mice; which is why Katy Bratun's GINGERBREAD MOUSE drew me in instantly. Bratun's adorable story, and lovely, delicate pictures depicting young Mouse as she left one home, and began her quest for another are irresistible. Mouse is a resourceful character, whose determination and ability to create elaborate decorations out of any object she happens to find is sure to promote creativity in young readers; while her strength and the way that she never gives up make her a lively, spirited character you can't help but fall in love with. The fact that Bratun brings a human family into the mix, and showcases their holiday festivities only adds to the story, and makes the reader sympathize with little Mouse even more. A tasty holiday treat you can't help but savor again and again! Erika Sorocco Freelance Reviewer

This book is so cute with a mouse and gingerbread house. Great for reading at Christmas. I'm so happy with my purchase.

The illustrations are charming and vibriant with tons of details. A great christmas story that warms your soul.