Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. Today’s featured book is special for many reasons. It feels like a retelling of an old fable. It’s got a message of kindness and inclusion that is so important. And it’s a book that kids will love holding and turning the pages – there are cutouts that the reader can peek through on many of the pages…what fun!

THE MOUSE WHO CARRIED A HOUSE ON HIS BACK
Written by Jonathan Stutzman
Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault
Published by Candlewick (2022)
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Kindness, inclusion, hospitality
Synopsis: From Amazon:
Celebrated artist Isabelle Arsenault joins forces with author Jonathan Stutzman for an enchanting tale about the expansive power of generosity.
Vincent was a mouse with boots on his feet, a hat on his head, and a house on his back.
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 travelers 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. Jonathan Stutzman’s charming voice is enhanced by the elegant, inventive die-cut art of three-time Governor General’s Award winner Isabelle Arsenault in this classic tale of a generous little mouse with a special house and an ever-expanding heart.
Why I Love This Book:
1. I love books with messages of kindness and inclusion – and this one uses animals so cleverly – the well-written text takes the child-reader on a beautiful journey.
2. I love books with awesome art…the watercolor illustrations are AMAZING!
3. I love books with special effects – this one has a cut-out of a house that grows bigger as we turn the pages.
To find out more about the author: https://www.jonathanstutzman.com/
To find out more about the illustrator: https://www.isabellearsenault.com/
To buy copies of THE MOUSE WHO CARRIED A HOUSE ON HIS BACK: Check out your local indie or Amazon.
RELATED ACTIVITIES:

Kids love arts and crafts…you can create houses using empty boxes – little houses from boxes from tea…big houses from packing boxes. I remember when we’d buy a new appliance and my children couldn’t wait till we unpacked it and gave them the box…it became a hotel, an airport terminal, a hospital…and sometimes a racecar or rocket to the moon…the ideas were endless.
But you can also create houses from construction paper: https://twokidsandacoupon.com/2020/04/cute-paper-house-craft-project-for-kids.html
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. If you get a copy of today’s featured book, I hope you will leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Don’t forget to ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection. And please remember to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway – you might be the lucky winner of a copy of THE MOUSE WHO CARRIED A HOUSE ON HIS BACK, thanks to the author, Jonathan Stutzman.
I’ve been wanting to read this one. I put in a request for a copy at my local library.
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Oh my gosh this book sounds absolutely delightful! I will look for it the next time I go to my local children’s bookstore. Your first line is amazing. Thank you for this interview!
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I saw the announcement for this one and it is on my TBR list. Now I want to find it even more. Thanks Vivian fot the glowing endoesement! And those Appliance boxes make the best rocketships & deep sea submarines!
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Interesting theme and such dear illustrations. Looking forward to reading this!
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A book with crafts! I love crafts. Can’t wait to read it. Best wishes.
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Congrats on your book Jonathan. Great concept for the art. The story is timely.
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Thank you Vivian! This story does seem like an instant classic. I’m looking forward to reading it.
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What a beautiful book, Vivian! Both concept and art! Thank you for adding it to our list!
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I just won a book so if I’m the name chosen, please offer it to someone else–to be fair. BUT I will order this one because mice and kindness are two of my favorite picture book ingredients. This looks wonderful.
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I borrowed this book from the library and left a review on Amazon. My toddlers and I really enjoyed it!
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The first line makes me want to read more!
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This book looks AMAZING-great art, great story, great message!
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This looks like a lovely book, art and text alike. I look forward to reading it.
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Jonathan’s work is so varied–and all delightful! I hadn’t seen this one yet so thank you, Vivian.
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Hooray for Jonathan! Looking forward to reading this delightful book.
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This book sounds adorable. I have it on hold at my library and can’t wait to read it. Congratulations, Jonathan and Isabelle!
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Such a beautiful book about kindness and inclusion. I love the cover!
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Oooo I have seen this cover and wanted to know about the wonderful art – it is so much more! What an engaging read aloud for the librarian – my continual quest!
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This book is beautiful and the message is one the world needs to hear every day. I’m adding this one to my reading list.
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I just bought a copy of this book at the Princeton Book Festival last weekend and chatted with the author (and his lovely wife–also a picture book creator). It is a beautiful book!
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