Just Like You

Mama Mouse and Little Mouse, having seen and heard various animal parents pledging their love to their children, tell each other how special they are, in a humorous and endearing bedtime story that captures the unique bond between parent and child. Read more Continue reading Read less AMAZON.COM REVIEW
As the sun begins to set one night, Little Mouse and his mama make their way home, past rabbits and frogs and foxes, all settling down for the night. Each parent has a promise for his or her baby. Mama Bird will "fly across the skies, as high as the clouds, to find the finest food" for her chicks. Papa Fox, playing with his cubs, promises to "run as far and as fast as ever I can and be clever and quick and cunning to keep you safe from harm." As they pass each sleepy family, Little Mouse wonders at how special the babies must be to warrant this kind of love from their parents. By the time he and his mama reach home, he has a big question for her. "Mama, what can you do for me? You're only a little mouse. You can't fly, or jump high, or dig or dive.... Am I not as special as those other babies, then?" His mother's answer is as reassuring and unique as any mother's would be, to the immense satisfaction of every young reader. As in Mr. Wolf's Pancakes, Jan Fearnley invites her young readers into an imaginary world and encourages them to linger. This tale of love is saved from sugar overload by Little Mouse's realistically self-centered view, and with the charming depictions of their home, decorated with scavenged paintbrushes, matchboxes, coins, and hard candies. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

FROM SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
PreS-K-As Little Mouse and his mother walk home, they pass five other animal groups all snuggling down at the end of the day. In glowing, grandiose terms, the parents promise to protect and provide for their young, be it to fly high or dig deep. Little Mouse thinks hard about how special these babies must be and while Mama reassures him, "Just like you," readers can sense his concern. While brushing his teeth he asks, "Mama, what can you do for me? You're only a little mouse.-Am I not as special as those other babies, then?" Mama's sincere response lends a steady practicality to this book: she will not only read to him and play, feed, hug, and make him laugh, but she'll also be cross when he is naughty. And, of course, she will love him always. Rather than focus solely on the exuberant grandness of what a parent may do for a child, this book reminds readers of the daily expressions of unconditional love that make their relationship so unique. Pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations support all aspects of this book with joyful bursts of energy couched in an all-pervasive soothing calmness. The natural environments are warm and detailed with touches of humor throughout. All of the characters, even the seals and frogs, look cozy enough to cuddle. Readers will especially be drawn to Mama Mouse, who is huggably plump and convincing in her love for her child.-Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

FROM BOOKLIST
Ages 4-8. All children strive to be special in their parent's eyes, and Little Mouse is no different. On their way home one evening, Little Mouse and his mother overhear Mother Bird promising her chicks that she will fly high through the sky to find them the finest food. Mama Seal vows to dive into the deepest ocean to find treasures for her darling; and Papa Fox declares that he will run as far and fast as he can to keep his cubs safe from harm. After arriving home, it doesn't take Little Mouse long to ask, "Mama, what can you do for me?" Little Mouse seems concerned about his mother's abilities because she is so small, but by the time Mother Mouse helps him brush his teeth, reads him stories and distributes tickles and hugs, Little Mouse knows size doesn't matter and realizes Mom is the special one. This tender tale, with soft watercolor illustrations, has all the components of a fine bedtime story. Cynthia Turnquest
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