The Church Mouse

I remember reading these fanatastic books over and over and over again from our local library when I was very young. After I had my daughter, I began thinking about these books, but I had forgotten the titles!After years of searching and asking around, I FINALLY found someone who knew what book I was talking about. Overjoyed doesn't even begin to describe my emotions over finding these books. I'll just say that if this book is wonderful enough for me to remember from reading as a 5 year old, and now want to spend all the money tracking down the entire series, you WON'T be disappointed!BUY the books! BUT ALL OF THEM, LOL!!!5 stars just aren't enough for this one!

I reviewed this the first book of The Church Mice series in 1998. Since then, I have gotten hold of ALL the books in the series by ordering them online from England. Absolutely worth the time, trouble, and money. These books are hilarious and will be read and giggled over MANY TIMES by the young and not-so-young in your house. I am sorry that the series is relatively unknown in the US; it is very popular in Great Britian. Do yourself and your kids, friends, or grandkids a favor and GET THESE BOOKS. At this date, November, 2000, "Humphrey Hits the Jackpot" is the newest book in the series. I don't know if Oakley is going to write anymore for this series--I sure hope so!

My husband and I each read this book to our granddaughter who had gotten it at a library in their city. We both enjoyed it so much we have spread the word and are looking to purchase it for ourselves. The characters are so delightful that you find yourself getting caught up in the story. You can read it again and again and see more ways in which he artfully blends words with a wonderful sense of humor. Some of the nuances might be lost on younger children but there is so much there for all ages to enjoy.

I was browsing the children's library when I happened to stop look at The Church Mouse. The clever, colourful drawings invited me to read it. I started to laugh so hard I had to sag against the shelves. I took all I could check out of this series. My husband and I sat reading them on the porch and we both laughed ourselves sore... nearly falling off the porch. It's a light, breezy tale to delight the child and a wonderful, subtle use of English (not American-English!) that will hold any Anglophile totally in its spell.

Fate was with me when my 5 year old randomly picked this book off the library shelf. Five minutes later, I was hooked and eagerly looking for other Graham Oakley books in the stacks! You will love this book; your children will love this book. The illustrations are so richly and humorously detailed that they add a whole other dimension to the story. Each reading is more enjoyable than the last--there is always some funny detail never noticed before. The picture of Sampson, the church cat, babysitting the young church mice is hilarious, especially since the accompanying text is quite understated. This is Oakley's method: slightly droll, understated text with detailed and really funny illustrations. Do yourself a favor and read this book with your kids.