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The Mother's Day Mice
It's Mother's Day, and the three mouse brothers, Biggest, Middle, and Little, have only a short time to get their presents. Biggest Mouse, Middle Mouse, and Little Mouse all want to surprise Mother on Mother's Day. But can these playful mice pick the best presents all by themselves without getting into a whole lot of trouble? A charming celebration of Mother's Day, this is the perfect gift to share with someone special. “Bring her a daisy,” Biggest Mouse said over his shoulder. “Bring her a rock,” Middle Mouse puffed. “They’re nice,” Little Mouse said. “But they’re not special enough for this special day.”
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
About the author
Eve Bunting
313 books410 followersAlso known as Evelyn Bolton and A.E. Bunting.
Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.
Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.
In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.
Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.
Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.
In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 30, 2019
Three little mice get up early on Mother's Day and sneak out of the house in order to fetch their various gifts for their mother. Biggest Mouse intends to give her a wish flower, or dandelion fluff ball, while Middle Mouse plans to bring a ripe strawberry. Littlest Mouse hopes to get some Honeysuckle, but the cat who lives in the house where the flowers can be found keeps him away. Fortunately, he thinks of the perfect gift - an original song, set to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star - on the way home...
A sweet little tale, one in which three (mice) children honor their mother by trying to find things she will truly enjoy, The Mother's Day Mice was originally published in 1986, and reprinted just this year (2017) in this new gift edition. The conclusion of the story is heartwarming, emphasizing the idea that sometimes it is the gifts we create ourselves that are the most welcome, while the artwork, done by Jane Brett, is colorful and cute. Recommended to anyone looking for engaging Mother's Day stories for younger children.
A sweet little tale, one in which three (mice) children honor their mother by trying to find things she will truly enjoy, The Mother's Day Mice was originally published in 1986, and reprinted just this year (2017) in this new gift edition. The conclusion of the story is heartwarming, emphasizing the idea that sometimes it is the gifts we create ourselves that are the most welcome, while the artwork, done by Jane Brett, is colorful and cute. Recommended to anyone looking for engaging Mother's Day stories for younger children.
May 10, 2010
Cute if not exactly inspired. I expected more from Bunting and Brett but this is still a nice Mother's Day read. Three mice go off to find the best present they can find for mom. The littlest one is even willing to brave venturing up to the house with the scary cat just so he can pick mother some honeysuckle. But, in the end, he comes up with a better idea for her. Now, I did like that the siblings were cooperative and sharing in getting presents for mom--no one-upping of the other trying to get her the "best" gift. But, I was not so keen on the idea of the little ones braving all sorts of dangers just to bring mom some nice presents--and I don't think that's something moms would want their kids to do either!!!
This is also an interesting read for Brett fans as it is really not the style we are used to from her these days--but is still very charming and I actually almost prefer it to her more recent artwork.
This is also an interesting read for Brett fans as it is really not the style we are used to from her these days--but is still very charming and I actually almost prefer it to her more recent artwork.
May 14, 2017
Three young mice brave the horrors of the big, bad world to get their mother special presents for Mother's Day. Cute story with nice Jan Brett illustrations . . . though I wasn't aware that mice had furry tails.
May 20, 2019
There aren't a whole lot of Mother's Day picture books out there that I've been able to find, so when I spotted this one illustrated by Jan Brett at a used book sale, I popped it in my bag without a second thought. It seemed a little long, so I didn't hold out too much hope it would be a new favorite with my 4-year old, but he let me read it to him and I am so happy to say I was wrong! He has asked for it repeatedly since our first reading, which is always high praise. And I just love this sweet little story myself, too.
May 14, 2023
I adore both Eve Bunting & Jan Brett, even more so when their talents are combined. I read this on Mother's Day, teared up at the end (no spoilers!) and the sweet story of love between mother and children was even more poignant today. I can see this becoming a yearly read.
May 10, 2018
The children liked the book, it had interesting pictures and a good message the end about mother/child love. It did have more reading so was a longer book.
May 3, 2016
This is a small square book with a bubbly green texture to the cover, with an illustration of sweet little mouse attired in a red and black plaid flannel shirt, carrying a large Strawberry. ( important to the story btw) each page is cleverly covered in the charming lightly coloured drawings of mice dressed in L.L.Bean type clothing, Their little house built under a tree, and all things stored within.
Mother's Day is approaching and the mice decide to set out to get Mom some Honeysuckle to celebrate. On this adventure they encounter a fairly frightening owl, a big black cat, and a difficult time finding their way back home. The illustrations by Jan Brett have an antique yet original elan. This is a quick , fun read.
Mother's Day is approaching and the mice decide to set out to get Mom some Honeysuckle to celebrate. On this adventure they encounter a fairly frightening owl, a big black cat, and a difficult time finding their way back home. The illustrations by Jan Brett have an antique yet original elan. This is a quick , fun read.
August 18, 2023
A young trio of mouse brothers try very hard to find suitable gifts for celebrating Mother's Day.
Whatever a kid's age, and however big the price tag for that gift might be, this is a very relatable story.
* Maybe kids will enjoy the idea of a mouse risking his life because he's so eager to give his mother a gift of honeysuckle.
* Maybe everyday human problems aren't so bad after all.
As for the ending, it's delightful.
Whatever a kid's age, and however big the price tag for that gift might be, this is a very relatable story.
* Maybe kids will enjoy the idea of a mouse risking his life because he's so eager to give his mother a gift of honeysuckle.
* Maybe everyday human problems aren't so bad after all.
As for the ending, it's delightful.
February 28, 2018
Three little mice set out to find gifts for their sleeping mom for Mother's Day.
Collecting gifts is a challenge, as is going out into the woods.
The mice are quite thoughtful in what they seek to give.
Brett's mice are an inspiration for me.
Collecting gifts is a challenge, as is going out into the woods.
The mice are quite thoughtful in what they seek to give.
Brett's mice are an inspiration for me.
May 15, 2023
We finished our Mother's Day read-alouds with this book and the kids were captivated by the sweet story and beautiful illustrations. We even sang the song Little Mouse wrote for his mom! Such a sweet book!
January 7, 2024
Another serendipitous mouse book find from a thrift store, this book proved average, but cute enough to remain in my collection.
I liked the theme of celebrating a gift you created yourself. And the illustrations are sweet.
I liked the theme of celebrating a gift you created yourself. And the illustrations are sweet.
July 2, 2017
Beautiful illustrations and a charming story. Both of my kids (4.5 and 2) liked it, but the 4-year-old in particular liked it (a bit long for the 2-year-old).
July 14, 2022
This was an adorable book! Wonderful and very detailed illustrations with a sweet Mother's Day story about three mice children going out to get gifts for their mother.
March 14, 2025
Three mice go on an adventure to find a present
November 14, 2025
The illustrations are gorgeous - so many little details to look at! And I love the story of each mouse picking out something special for their mama.
May 27, 2009
A collaboration between Eve Bunting and Jan Brett, two of my favorite authors, this is a sweet story that introduces the concept of Mother's Day at a level young children can understand. Three mice brothers wake up early on Mother's Day morning and embark on a quest, braving several predators, to obtain gifts for their mother. The eldest finds a dandelion fluffball for her to wish on; the middle finds one of the first strawberries of Spring. The youngest wants to bring her honeysuckle but is prevented by Cat, who guards Honeysuckle Cottage. In lieu of this gift, he presents an alternative one which surprises everyone.
Many virtues are presented in this brief adventure: the mouse brothers are loyal to one another, brave in the face of danger, generous in their impulses, and honoring to their mother. The two eldest take responsibility for the well-being of the youngest, and the story ends with a warm family scene as Mother receives her gifts with gratitude. The illustrations are rich in detail (though not as lavish as Brett's other books) and the text (while not as brilliant as Bunting's usual work) lays out a pretty satisfying (if thinly developed) story.
One unintended consequence of reading this book the week before Mother's Day was that when the big day did roll around, my three-year-old son was not to be dissuaded from a quest outdoors to bring home a gift for me. The book really did define the day for him. It might not make it into the regular reading basket, but as a special holiday book it is an excellent choice.
Many virtues are presented in this brief adventure: the mouse brothers are loyal to one another, brave in the face of danger, generous in their impulses, and honoring to their mother. The two eldest take responsibility for the well-being of the youngest, and the story ends with a warm family scene as Mother receives her gifts with gratitude. The illustrations are rich in detail (though not as lavish as Brett's other books) and the text (while not as brilliant as Bunting's usual work) lays out a pretty satisfying (if thinly developed) story.
One unintended consequence of reading this book the week before Mother's Day was that when the big day did roll around, my three-year-old son was not to be dissuaded from a quest outdoors to bring home a gift for me. The book really did define the day for him. It might not make it into the regular reading basket, but as a special holiday book it is an excellent choice.
November 5, 2015
Although the age of the book generally says something about the content this book is great because the moral has never changed. A timeless classic could almost describe this picture book, but I could definitely give it a few more years.
Anthropomorphic mice makes this story quite cute as we follow the Mouse children as they wake early Mother’s Day morning to collect fresh gifts for their momma. Biggest and Middle Mouse had easy ones but Little had a very difficult one that was being guarded by the cat. Much to Little Mouse’s disappointment Biggest Mouse convinced him it wasn’t worth risking your life over and that he should find a different gift idea.
At the end, even though Little Mouse didn’t carry a Wish Flower or delicious strawberry he was sure his momma would love this gift. He was right, and he signed it “The song is from all of us.”
It was a happily ever after moment. Where the brightly Dutch-like clothed mice hugged and sang on a very special Mother’s Day.
Anthropomorphic mice makes this story quite cute as we follow the Mouse children as they wake early Mother’s Day morning to collect fresh gifts for their momma. Biggest and Middle Mouse had easy ones but Little had a very difficult one that was being guarded by the cat. Much to Little Mouse’s disappointment Biggest Mouse convinced him it wasn’t worth risking your life over and that he should find a different gift idea.
At the end, even though Little Mouse didn’t carry a Wish Flower or delicious strawberry he was sure his momma would love this gift. He was right, and he signed it “The song is from all of us.”
It was a happily ever after moment. Where the brightly Dutch-like clothed mice hugged and sang on a very special Mother’s Day.
December 11, 2014
I think this this is a wonderful story that introduces the concept of Mother's Day at a level young children can understand. Three mice brothers wake up early on Mother's Day morning and embark on a quest, braving several predators, to obtain gifts for their mother. The eldest finds a dandelion fluffball for her to wish on, the middle finds one of the first strawberries of Spring. The youngest wants to bring her honeysuckle but is prevented by Cat, who guards Honeysuckle Cottage. I like how the two eldest take responsibility for the well-being of the youngest, and the story ends with a warm family scene as Mother receives her gifts with gratitude. The illustrations very detail and the text is simple for young readers to read.I think that children's would really enjoy this sweet story but at the same time they will learn a moral at the end of the story in this case it will be that "Mom doesn't need an extravagant gift".I love the illustrations because they are very colorful and they don't focus only in two colors.
May 10, 2011
This was a pleasent little surprise for my son at the library. How fitting that it was just Mother's Day and we truly enjoy the writings of Eve Bunting. We also loved that the illustrator was Jan Brett. This was a clever little story with a very sweet meaning. You don't have to give the best or biggest presents as long as it comes from the heart. The mice in the story were so precious and they took on humanlike qualities. A very enjoyable book!
October 8, 2012
On impulse quickly purchased this at a library booksale because of the illustrations on the jacket, not realizing the illustrator was Jan Brett. Love the faces of the mice and the plaid flannel shirts on two of the mice brothers. Story revolves around what the three mice brothers are going to give mother for Morther's Day.
Illustrations are great, theme of story is fine, but language and flow of story is somewhat dated.
Illustrations are great, theme of story is fine, but language and flow of story is somewhat dated.
December 26, 2014
This books was sweet...but not really my bag of chips...I guess I am just not an Eve Bunting Fan, nor a Jan Brett Fan...so sue me! The It is a cute mother's day story...but....I hate mice...and I am prejudiced against them...so I will put this one out for Mother's Day and mothers will just eat it up.....Also, I hate that the mice don't have names...they are little mouse, big mouse middle mouse....who makes this stuff up!!?!?! Oh Rant over!
February 6, 2011
This was one of my children's favorite growing up and a great book for Mother's Day lessons. I love the ending where the point of the whole story is told that it is not the gift that matters but the thought. Wonderful illustrations so turn the pages slow to not miss hidden details.
May 6, 2011
This was a pairing destined to produce a good book. I love both the author and the illustrator for their fine craftsmanship, and this story demonstrated both of their strengths, though the story was a bit simple. Sometimes a simple story well told is the best kind.
November 19, 2013
Each mouse gets mother mouse something different and something special that comes from the heart. This is a great book to read to the students on Mother's Day and to encourage them to be creative and personal with their gifts.
September 27, 2008
The story is ok - three little mice wake up early to find their mother presents for Mother's Day. But the real joy of this one is the pictures - very detailed and fun to look at.
May 28, 2009
Really a kid's book. Another I read to my son and thought was particularly cute. I guess I'm a sucker for cute mice stories.
August 14, 2009
A classic at my house. I loved to read this really early in the morning and look at all the pictures!
April 19, 2020
I love Jan Brett’s illustrations—the shoes on the mice, their little lederhosen, their home, nature’s beauty, and hidden things—all make for a charmingly-illustrated picture book by Eve Bunting.
June 30, 2011
It has the typically rich and beautiful Jan Brett illustrations, and a decent enough moral (Mom doesn't need an extravagant gift).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews