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Love, Mouserella
Mouserella misses her grandmouse, so she writes her a letter. At first she can't think of anything to say, but once she starts, the news begins to flow - she found a cat whisker at the zoo, she taught her ladybug to fetch, she made shadow puppets with Dadmouse during a blackout - and just like that, the events of the past few days come to vivid life in her letter, as does her love for Grandmouse.
Children will enjoy reading the story from top to bottom, like a real letter, and Mouserella's funny drawings and lively adventures will spark their imaginations and just might inspire them to start a correspondence of their own.
Children will enjoy reading the story from top to bottom, like a real letter, and Mouserella's funny drawings and lively adventures will spark their imaginations and just might inspire them to start a correspondence of their own.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
David Ezra Stein
33 books142 followersDavid Ezra Stein is an author-illustrator whose previous books include LEAVES, winner of an Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award. He lives in Kew Gardens, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 28, 2011
Mouserella misses her grandmother. She had to go back to the country, and Mouserella lives in the city. So her mother suggested she write a letter, and she did! The pages are filled with drawings, photographs, and plenty of great details. Though Mouserella doesn’t think there is much to share, she actually finds lots of everyday things to talk about: creating seed parachutes, visiting a museum, experiencing a blackout, and playing with her brother. The story is jolly and warm, filled with homey details, a loving family and the joys of the small things in life.
Stein’s writing and art here create a harmonious whole. The writing is winningly child-like and wandering. Mouserella’s voice is clear and personal throughout, creating a solid base for the book. Stein then embellishes the book with art that ranges from Mouserella’s drawings to photographs of her world. The combination of crayon art with Stein’s own more realistic but still whimsical art makes for a striking read.
This warm, wonderful picture book will be enjoyed by grandmothers and grandchildren alike. It is a perfect accompaniment to letter writing units or story times about grandparents. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Stein’s writing and art here create a harmonious whole. The writing is winningly child-like and wandering. Mouserella’s voice is clear and personal throughout, creating a solid base for the book. Stein then embellishes the book with art that ranges from Mouserella’s drawings to photographs of her world. The combination of crayon art with Stein’s own more realistic but still whimsical art makes for a striking read.
This warm, wonderful picture book will be enjoyed by grandmothers and grandchildren alike. It is a perfect accompaniment to letter writing units or story times about grandparents. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
August 4, 2011
I usually enjoy books that feature writers or some type of writing, and in this case, much to my delight, it's a charming granddaughter who writes a letter to her Grandmouse. Clearly, she loves the woman and misses her and wants to share everything that's going on. She teaches her ladybug to fetch, practices her posture by carrying a book across the room on her tail, and marvels at the beauty of the city, light with candles during a blackout. As is the case with letters written by children, this one contains crossed out words and rambles a bit, but Mouserella is a clever thinker and writer. Who wouldn't be proud to have her in the family? The watercolor, stencils, crayon, and pencil illustrations feature the artist's rendition of photos as well as objects such as a packet of ketchup Mouserella sends to her Grandmouse. Young readers will certainly enjoy this letter.
November 2, 2011
Mouserella loves her Grandmouse. And after Grandmouse left her visit with Mouserella's family, Mouserella decides (at Mama Mouse's suggestion) to write a letter. The best part of this book is that Mouserella "writes" just like a little kid writes. For example:
"At the butterfly tent I put honey from the cafeteria on my ears so butterflies would land on me. But none did...I had to wash the honey off in the water fountain. And that's all that happened. But on Tuesday, there was a BLACKOUT and we ha to eat all the ice pops from the freezer..."
I can just picture a three year old telling the type of adventures that Mouserella had to a grandmother. A good book for a good snuggle with a loved adult.
"At the butterfly tent I put honey from the cafeteria on my ears so butterflies would land on me. But none did...I had to wash the honey off in the water fountain. And that's all that happened. But on Tuesday, there was a BLACKOUT and we ha to eat all the ice pops from the freezer..."
I can just picture a three year old telling the type of adventures that Mouserella had to a grandmother. A good book for a good snuggle with a loved adult.
October 3, 2011
Notable:This book is printed so that you hold it with the open edge downward and read it from top to bottom. This may make it a bit awkward to hold and read together, but also makes it more letter like. Cute and believable--Mouserella is reminiscent of Kevin Henkes immortal Lilly, but also just of any little girl chatting about her week. Hope this inspires families to write a real paper letter now and then--grandmas (and grandpas) will treasure them!
November 28, 2011
This is a sweet story and it's written in a very unique style. The book is turned on it's side and the whole tale is a letter from a mouse to her grandmother (grandmouse.) There are a lot of illustrations, similar to a scrapbook. The story is fun to read aloud and we enjoyed reading it together.
September 21, 2011
This is a great book to share with my writer when they say they have nothing to write about it.
As an added bonus it makes me want to write my grandma a letter.
As an added bonus it makes me want to write my grandma a letter.
February 22, 2019
Kids should really like this one. The letter Mouserella likes actually sounds like a kid wrote it.
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February 21, 2020Cute book! You think she's going to end the letter but then she thinks of more things to share with her grandma.
November 9, 2020
Well, THAT, is a cute book.
February 25, 2022
Mouserella mouses her grandmouse. She decides to write a letter. Very cute.
June 19, 2022
thinking about the big cat at the zoo... what multiverse is this?!?!?!
always original and eye-pleasing illustrations and cute story, from my favorite children book author!! 💖
always original and eye-pleasing illustrations and cute story, from my favorite children book author!! 💖
February 2, 2023
Very very cute.
August 9, 2023
A wonderful study on voice in a picture book. Mouserella's adventures are fun and the illustrations are fabulous.
June 15, 2024
Mouserella writes a lengthy letter to her grandmouse. Decent art.
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September 23, 2024the illustrations are SOOOOO cute! formatted like a letter with doodles!
April 24, 2022
This would be a good book to read to a kindergarten or first-grade class. It has really good use of color and keeps the reader interested in the book. It would be a good book to have the children read during silent reading time or you can read it to the class just to pass time.
December 19, 2016
Mouserella’s grandmouse has just left after a fun visit, and Mouserella already misses her greatly. At her mother’s suggestion, she starts writing Grandmouse a letter, in which she recounts a week’s worth of her daily activities, and includes mementos of those events, such as a ketchup packet and photographs.
The book is designed to resemble an envelope. The address, return address (in Mousehattan) and postmark appear on the back cover, and the flap of the envelope, being sealed by Mouserella, is the image on the front cover. The book is also oriented horizontally, so that the letter can be read from top to bottom, rather than with two pages side by side. This orientation might make it tricky to hold the book open for story time, but I do think it’s possible to make it work. The illustrations have a good amount of detail that might work best up close, but a smaller story time group could appreciate much of the writing and illustration at a slight distance.
I don’t think this book is quite as unique as Interrupting Chicken, but it does share the same child-centered outlook, complete with child-like crayon drawings, and it also focuses on the concept of telling a story through documents. I’ve already started thinking of ways to incorporate this book into a mail-themed story time, mainly because it works so well with other books I’ve read recently: Mr. Griggs’ Work by Cynthia Rylant, Good-bye, Curtis by Kevin Henkes, and I Miss You Every Day by Simms Taback.
Read at Preschool Story Time on 2/15/13: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...
The book is designed to resemble an envelope. The address, return address (in Mousehattan) and postmark appear on the back cover, and the flap of the envelope, being sealed by Mouserella, is the image on the front cover. The book is also oriented horizontally, so that the letter can be read from top to bottom, rather than with two pages side by side. This orientation might make it tricky to hold the book open for story time, but I do think it’s possible to make it work. The illustrations have a good amount of detail that might work best up close, but a smaller story time group could appreciate much of the writing and illustration at a slight distance.
I don’t think this book is quite as unique as Interrupting Chicken, but it does share the same child-centered outlook, complete with child-like crayon drawings, and it also focuses on the concept of telling a story through documents. I’ve already started thinking of ways to incorporate this book into a mail-themed story time, mainly because it works so well with other books I’ve read recently: Mr. Griggs’ Work by Cynthia Rylant, Good-bye, Curtis by Kevin Henkes, and I Miss You Every Day by Simms Taback.
Read at Preschool Story Time on 2/15/13: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...
September 22, 2014
Love, Mouserella is a sweet picture book written as a letter from young Mouserella to her Grandmouse. She has been missing her Grandmouse since she left her house a few days ago, and has decided to write and update her on the projects she has undertaken at home. She tells about her brother and other family members in just the way you would hope a little sister would. I was instantly drawn to the cover of this book, which is an envelope reading "Love, Mouserella," alongside other doodles and an illustration of the still-doodling Mouserella. The end pages of the book are covered in Mouserella's doodles and writing, as are the pages throughout the book. Each page is made to look like a sheet of paper with several illustrations and pictures, which I think adds to the idea of the book as a note to Grandmouse.
I liked that the book is from the honest point of view of a kid, but a mouse kid. There are several funny illustrations which remind us of how tiny our main character is - a large lady bug, a whisker of a cat being carried over her shoulder. I think this would help kinds think outside of themselves and maybe play at multiple perspectives. I also really enjoyed the family relationships, for example her total disgust with her brother. I think most kids that have siblings can relate to that on a personal level.
Cute book that could help teach about perspectives/points of view, as well as family and interpersonal relationships. I can see it being used in a pre-k or kindergarten classroom alongside a small letter-writing project.
I liked that the book is from the honest point of view of a kid, but a mouse kid. There are several funny illustrations which remind us of how tiny our main character is - a large lady bug, a whisker of a cat being carried over her shoulder. I think this would help kinds think outside of themselves and maybe play at multiple perspectives. I also really enjoyed the family relationships, for example her total disgust with her brother. I think most kids that have siblings can relate to that on a personal level.
Cute book that could help teach about perspectives/points of view, as well as family and interpersonal relationships. I can see it being used in a pre-k or kindergarten classroom alongside a small letter-writing project.
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June 7, 2014Opening: Class, have you ever had someone move away? How are some ways that you keep in touch? In the story Love, Mouserella, David Ezra Stein tells us of a mouse whose grandmother moves away. Mouserella decides to write to her grandmother, but doesn't know what to write about. Listen for what Mouserella includes in her letter to her grandmother.
Opening Moves: Prompt brief sharing of personal experiences related to the topic or theme, raise interest in a topic or theme, prompt listeners to notice details
Rationale & Connection: One of our main writing objectives in kindergarten is writing personal narratives. In the story Love, Mouserella, David Ezra Stein combines letter writing with a personal narrative. Love, Mouserella is similar to LaRue Across America and The Day the Crayons quit as it is written in letter format. Love, Mouserella provides a new purpose for writing letters - to tell your own story.
Book Review Citation: (2012, September 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
Opening Moves: Prompt brief sharing of personal experiences related to the topic or theme, raise interest in a topic or theme, prompt listeners to notice details
Rationale & Connection: One of our main writing objectives in kindergarten is writing personal narratives. In the story Love, Mouserella, David Ezra Stein combines letter writing with a personal narrative. Love, Mouserella is similar to LaRue Across America and The Day the Crayons quit as it is written in letter format. Love, Mouserella provides a new purpose for writing letters - to tell your own story.
Book Review Citation: (2012, September 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
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April 3, 2016Summary: Mouserella misses her grandmother not long after she returns home from a visit, so she decides to write a letter. In it, Mouserella details all the things she's been doing since she and her grandmother separated.
Review: The illustrations make this book come alive. In fact, the illustrations are part of the text. Mouserella moves her grandmother through the events of her life in her own, colorful hand and with lots of visuals. I like how the author speaks as a child would speak in this text.
Connections: Other books that children can easily relate to by Stein include "Leaves," "Pouch!" and "Dinosaur Kisses."
Mentor texts: In Writers' Workshop, students sometimes struggle to discuss what they convey in their illustrations. This book demonstrates exactly how Mouserella does that and acts as a reminder to students that they need to do the same. It makes stories clearer and helps them to remember exactly what to write; stories and illustrations must match.
Review: The illustrations make this book come alive. In fact, the illustrations are part of the text. Mouserella moves her grandmother through the events of her life in her own, colorful hand and with lots of visuals. I like how the author speaks as a child would speak in this text.
Connections: Other books that children can easily relate to by Stein include "Leaves," "Pouch!" and "Dinosaur Kisses."
Mentor texts: In Writers' Workshop, students sometimes struggle to discuss what they convey in their illustrations. This book demonstrates exactly how Mouserella does that and acts as a reminder to students that they need to do the same. It makes stories clearer and helps them to remember exactly what to write; stories and illustrations must match.
November 14, 2012
I think this book was unique because it is written on colored notebook paper, which makes for a fun format for a book. Mouserella will get the affection of children ages 4-7, and could maybe even encourage them to start a journal or write letters of their own.
"Showing [Stein's] customary gift for spot-on evocations of childlike voice and sensibility. . . . Sometimes snail mail is just better. Here's proof."
(Kirkus Reviews, starred review )
"A clever and enticingly child-friendly format. . . . . Young ones will have more than their fair share of fun, and they'll understand the longing for someone who's gone away."
(Booklist )
"Mouserella's ebullience comes through on every page. . . . Delightfully precocious letter. . . . Exercise in joyful self-expression."
(Publishers Weekly )
"Will prompt children to think about their own letter writing. Those who have never written a letter will be encouraged to do so."
(School Library Journal )
"Showing [Stein's] customary gift for spot-on evocations of childlike voice and sensibility. . . . Sometimes snail mail is just better. Here's proof."
(Kirkus Reviews, starred review )
"A clever and enticingly child-friendly format. . . . . Young ones will have more than their fair share of fun, and they'll understand the longing for someone who's gone away."
(Booklist )
"Mouserella's ebullience comes through on every page. . . . Delightfully precocious letter. . . . Exercise in joyful self-expression."
(Publishers Weekly )
"Will prompt children to think about their own letter writing. Those who have never written a letter will be encouraged to do so."
(School Library Journal )
September 27, 2011
Sweet story in a form of a letter from a young mouse to her grandma. Handwriting-style font, doodles and colorful legal pad backgrounds are somewhat charming but failed to win me over. I would almost give it 3 stars, as it has some merits and would appeal to children missing their grandma. Sadly, it just did not strike me as all that special--disappointing considering how much I loved Stein's "Leaves" and "Interrupting Chicken". I was confused as to why the main character's name was "Mouserella," as it made me expect that the story would be yet another fractured Cinderella retelling. I also wondered about the author's choice to write this story about mice--would it have been as cute if it featured people and was titled "Love, Milly?" (to throw out a random name), or merely read like a meandering list of a child's activities?
November 23, 2011
Mouserella writes a letter to her grandmouse about all the things she is doing now that she has returned home from Grandmouse’s house. She includes drawings and photographs and maps to shares all the stories of things that have happened to her since she returned home. Written on colored notebook paper, this is a fun format for a book.
“We went to the museum.
It was air-conditioned there.
I draw the cave mouse with big claws.
I saw a grandmouse in there but it wasn’t you.
We ate fries in the cafeteria with squishy packs of ketchup.
I bet you don’t have them in the country.
(I saved one for you.)”
“We went to the museum.
It was air-conditioned there.
I draw the cave mouse with big claws.
I saw a grandmouse in there but it wasn’t you.
We ate fries in the cafeteria with squishy packs of ketchup.
I bet you don’t have them in the country.
(I saved one for you.)”
September 10, 2016
I'm looking forward to reading this to grandkids via SKYPE. (I cheated, I already read it. Shhh don't tell them.) It's a letter a little mouse writes to her Grandmouse, who she misses very much. Seemed appropriate. I wonder if there is a similar book written by the Grandmouse?
Mouserella includes photos she has taken using the camera Grandmouse gave her, all the latest news, lots of drawings and a packet of ketchup!
I'll let you know what the grandkids think.
Hannah (6 years old) and her siblings really enjoyed this book. The older kids positioned themselves close to the computer and made comments as Hannah and I enjoyed the book. We all highly recommend it.
Mouserella includes photos she has taken using the camera Grandmouse gave her, all the latest news, lots of drawings and a packet of ketchup!
I'll let you know what the grandkids think.
Hannah (6 years old) and her siblings really enjoyed this book. The older kids positioned themselves close to the computer and made comments as Hannah and I enjoyed the book. We all highly recommend it.
January 17, 2012
Missing her grandmouse, Mouserella takes her mother's advice and writes her a letter. Mouserella's letter to her grandmouse is filled with adventure and love.
What I thought: Adorable! The letter is rambling and full of news as I would expect a child's letter to be. The items Mouserella encloses are funny (especially the ketchup). The illustrations are great. I really like Stein's style. I've been thinking of doing a story time on mail. Love, Mouserella will be a great addition.
Story Time Themes: Mail, Letters, Grandparents
What I thought: Adorable! The letter is rambling and full of news as I would expect a child's letter to be. The items Mouserella encloses are funny (especially the ketchup). The illustrations are great. I really like Stein's style. I've been thinking of doing a story time on mail. Love, Mouserella will be a great addition.
Story Time Themes: Mail, Letters, Grandparents
January 20, 2012
Mouserella misses Grandmouse, who has returned to her home in the country. She writes her a letter about her everyday activities; watching her caterpillar, Willy, who is now a chrysalis, teaching her ladybug to fetch, visiting the zoo and a museum, playing with her brother, etc. Mouserella's letter is also filled with her crayon drawings and photographs. The letter is in Mouserella's handwriting on yellow, green and pink striped writing paper. And the book reads from top to bottom. Funny, clever, and sweet. Just right for 1st grade.
December 31, 2011
Very cute. Mouserella is a young girl mouse who misses her grandmouse and wrtes her a letter. The letter tells of things she has done throughout the day. It includes photographs, drawings, and a few "other" things. A great book for storytime to illustrate letter writing. Young elementary students could be encouraged to write a letter to someone after reading this story. This also fits with the early literacy skill of writing.
July 30, 2011
Mouserella misses her grandmother, who just returned to her country home after visiting Mouserella in the city. Using the camera that her grandmother gave her and her letter writing prowess, Mouserella documents her experiences since Grandmother left. Nothing much happens. Or does it? Funny and cute with a real star in Mouserella.
October 7, 2011
Grades K-2. Perfect for inspiration during a letter-writing unit. Mouserella writes to her grandmother to tell her about all she's done since grandma left. And to show her how much she is enjoying her new camera. Could students take pictures of things they've done throughout the week and make a "letter" to their parents? Fun multi-media tie-in.
December 11, 2011
Apparently, I am a fan of David Ezra Stein and also of mice. The combination just overwhelms me. I love the format of this book--how it is in landscape instead of portrait layout. I love the storyline. I love the illustrations--the use of crayon for Mouserella's doodles for her grandmother, and the black-and-white realistic illustrations for the Polaroid-esque photos. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews