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Who Goes There?
Lewis Mouse is preparing his nest for winter. It is cozy and it is warm, and yet something is missing. All of a sudden—
SCRITCH, SCRATCH, TAP, TAP, TAP!
Lewis hears the scariest noises! Who can be making those sounds? He uses his bravest voice to shout, “WHO GOES THERE?” and scare off whoever it is. But could it be that he has nothing to be afraid of? Perhaps whoever is making the noise might make Lewis’s home even cozier!
SCRITCH, SCRATCH, TAP, TAP, TAP!
Lewis hears the scariest noises! Who can be making those sounds? He uses his bravest voice to shout, “WHO GOES THERE?” and scare off whoever it is. But could it be that he has nothing to be afraid of? Perhaps whoever is making the noise might make Lewis’s home even cozier!
Paperback
First published October 22, 2013
About the author
Karma Wilson
112 books530 followersKarma Wilson grew up an only child of a single mother in the wilds of North Idaho. Way back then (just past the stone age and somewhat before the era of computers) there was no cable TV and if there had been Karma could not have recieved it. TV reception was limited to 3 channels, of which one came in with some clarity. Karma did the only sensible thing a lonely little girl could do…she read or played outdoors.
Playing outdoors was fun, but reading was Karma’s “first love” and, by the age 11, she was devouring about a novel a day. She was even known to try to read while riding her bike down dirt roads, which she does not recommend as it is hazardous to the general well being of the bike, the rider, and more importantly the book. Her reading preferences were fantasy (C.S. Lewis, Terry Brooks, etc…) and historical fiction (L.M. Montgomery, Laura Ingalls Wilder, etc…). Those tastes have not changed much.
Karma never considered writing as a profession because her mother was a professional writer which made it seem like mundane work. At the age of 27 she realized that she still loved well-written children’s books of all kinds, from picture books to young adult novels. By that time Karma was a wife and the mother of three young children. Trips to the library with her kids were a combination of emotions…a good book meant fun for all! But so many of the books weren’t what her children wanted to listen to.
Then a tax refund changed everything. With the money the family decided to invest in a computer. Karma was forced to learn to type. Combining her desire to make the expensive computer pay for itself, her new-found typing skill, and her love of children’s literature, Karma started writing for children. She wanted to put a few more good books on the library shelves and pay off that computer! Countless rejections and three years later Karma was finally accepted by book agent Steven Malk (who had already rejected her once, which she never lets him forget). Her first book, Bear Snores On, was released in 2002. The computer was paid for!
Since then Karma has had more than 30 books accepted for publication. Many of those are on the shelves of libraries and bookstores around the world. Her books have received numerous state and national awards, been translated into dozens of languages, and a few have made an appearance on the New York Times bestseller list. Karma sincerely hopes that her books bring joy to children and families everywhere.
Karma writes humorous, rhythmic picture books for the very young, and humorous and wistful poetry for the primary grades.
These days Karma lives with her handsome husband Scott, and her three not-so-young-anymore children, two dogs, two chickens and one cat on some modest but lovely acreage in NW Montana. Her hobbies include reading (of course), photography, baking, yoga, and a passion for Mixed Martial Arts.
Playing outdoors was fun, but reading was Karma’s “first love” and, by the age 11, she was devouring about a novel a day. She was even known to try to read while riding her bike down dirt roads, which she does not recommend as it is hazardous to the general well being of the bike, the rider, and more importantly the book. Her reading preferences were fantasy (C.S. Lewis, Terry Brooks, etc…) and historical fiction (L.M. Montgomery, Laura Ingalls Wilder, etc…). Those tastes have not changed much.
Karma never considered writing as a profession because her mother was a professional writer which made it seem like mundane work. At the age of 27 she realized that she still loved well-written children’s books of all kinds, from picture books to young adult novels. By that time Karma was a wife and the mother of three young children. Trips to the library with her kids were a combination of emotions…a good book meant fun for all! But so many of the books weren’t what her children wanted to listen to.
Then a tax refund changed everything. With the money the family decided to invest in a computer. Karma was forced to learn to type. Combining her desire to make the expensive computer pay for itself, her new-found typing skill, and her love of children’s literature, Karma started writing for children. She wanted to put a few more good books on the library shelves and pay off that computer! Countless rejections and three years later Karma was finally accepted by book agent Steven Malk (who had already rejected her once, which she never lets him forget). Her first book, Bear Snores On, was released in 2002. The computer was paid for!
Since then Karma has had more than 30 books accepted for publication. Many of those are on the shelves of libraries and bookstores around the world. Her books have received numerous state and national awards, been translated into dozens of languages, and a few have made an appearance on the New York Times bestseller list. Karma sincerely hopes that her books bring joy to children and families everywhere.
Karma writes humorous, rhythmic picture books for the very young, and humorous and wistful poetry for the primary grades.
These days Karma lives with her handsome husband Scott, and her three not-so-young-anymore children, two dogs, two chickens and one cat on some modest but lovely acreage in NW Montana. Her hobbies include reading (of course), photography, baking, yoga, and a passion for Mixed Martial Arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 30, 2016
I used this book for story time this week. It is fun to read, with opportunities to change voices and convey emotion. The children seemed to love it; it was fun watching their faces. There are some repetitive words that the children quickly pick up. The illustrations are great, too! This one goes to the top of my list for story time books!
April 1, 2020
Lewis the mouse loved his cozy home in the tiny hole at the base of a tall tree. Prepared for winter's coming, he had just settled down when he heard a "Scritch Scratch Tap Tap." Imagining all the terrifying things it might be, from an owl to a bear, he used his biggest, most intimidating voice to shout: "Who Goes There? Who Could It Be? / Who Scritches and Scratches and Taps At My Tree?" After receiving no answer on three separate occasions, he worked up his courage, and went to investigate, finding that the source of the noise was the very thing he'd been missing: ...
Well known for her engaging animal stories, particularly her series of tales about Bear ( Bear Snores On , Bear Wants More , etc.), author Karma Wilson, together with illustrator Anna Currey, delivers an entertaining picture-book with Who Goes There? Lewis is an appealing little murine hero, and young children will undoubtedly feel the tension building, as he continually wonders who could be making those noises. His poetic refrain contrasts nicely with the main text, which is in prose. The artwork, done in pen and ink and watercolor, is colorful and cute, ably capturing Lewis' changing expressions. Recommended to all young animal lovers, and to anyone looking for the perfect story for a blustery late fall/early winter day.
Well known for her engaging animal stories, particularly her series of tales about Bear ( Bear Snores On , Bear Wants More , etc.), author Karma Wilson, together with illustrator Anna Currey, delivers an entertaining picture-book with Who Goes There? Lewis is an appealing little murine hero, and young children will undoubtedly feel the tension building, as he continually wonders who could be making those noises. His poetic refrain contrasts nicely with the main text, which is in prose. The artwork, done in pen and ink and watercolor, is colorful and cute, ably capturing Lewis' changing expressions. Recommended to all young animal lovers, and to anyone looking for the perfect story for a blustery late fall/early winter day.
August 24, 2026
Adorable! Karma Wilson is such a good children’s author! I’ve never read anything from her I didn’t like.
June 25, 2022
This book is so sweet. It features a nice repetitive framework, beautiful pictures, and a sweet story. This is one of the books that you finish and file away into the category of the best type of picture books.
June 23, 2026
Lewis the mouse is getting ready for winter. He has most everything he needs: food, shelter, some warm tea. But something is missing. He doesn’t know what it is. Oh well. He tries to go to sleep. But then, he hears a scritching, scratching sound that terrifies him! What if it’s an owl? He is so scared of owls! He peeks out his door to see. But nothing is there. He tries to go to bed again. The sound happens again. This time, he yells louder as he asks, “Who goes there?” He wonders, is it a cat? He’s so scared of cats! Lewis can’t sleep, so he makes a spot of tea. He hears the sound again! Determined, he looks out to see who it is…
“Who Goes There?” is such a cute little book about the strange sounds we hear in the night and how our minds make up what those sounds sometimes mean. Will Lewis ever find his “something missing?” Will he find out what is making that noise? Read this book and see! Bonus points if you read aloud and do a mouse voice!
Mia’s 3rd Year of Books: Day 105
#OnetoReadtoTheLittleRelatives
“Who Goes There?” is such a cute little book about the strange sounds we hear in the night and how our minds make up what those sounds sometimes mean. Will Lewis ever find his “something missing?” Will he find out what is making that noise? Read this book and see! Bonus points if you read aloud and do a mouse voice!
Mia’s 3rd Year of Books: Day 105
#OnetoReadtoTheLittleRelatives
December 4, 2024
The dramatic part of this, most of it, is excellent. But when it changes tone it gets too 'nice' compared to what went before and feels sticky. I prefer The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything. But I do like the art in this; it reminds me of Beatrix Potter's work. (I just wish the mice didn't wear any clothing.)
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April 30, 2024Intended Audience
This book is suitable for children ages 4 and up.
Key themes
This book centers around a mouse called Louis who prepares for winter and lives in a hole in a tree collecting leaves, twigs, and seeds to make his nest comfortable.
Why I chose this book for my library
I chose this book for my library because it highlights the importance of mastering hard tasks and overcoming the things that people are afraid of. I also chose this book because it goes over the importance of being able to stand up to whatever anyone fears.
This book is suitable for children ages 4 and up.
Key themes
This book centers around a mouse called Louis who prepares for winter and lives in a hole in a tree collecting leaves, twigs, and seeds to make his nest comfortable.
Why I chose this book for my library
I chose this book for my library because it highlights the importance of mastering hard tasks and overcoming the things that people are afraid of. I also chose this book because it goes over the importance of being able to stand up to whatever anyone fears.
October 29, 2019
The perfect book for Fall where we discover that a cozy home needs a good friend to make it perfect. After reading it for the umpteenth time (Luke's favorite!), I realized that Lewis and Joy is a reference to C.S. Lewis and his wife Joy. Made me love it even more.
November 18, 2017
A sweet little mouse love story. Made me think about the exaggerated fear stories I tell myself at times. I love the sweet, cozy ending.
February 28, 2018
AR level: 2.5
June 5, 2019
A very cute book. My son enjoyed it and wanted it re-read several times.
December 13, 2019
Fear and friendship sums this up perfectly. Glad that Lewis faces his fears and discovers his friend Joy.
Love the illustrations!
Love the illustrations!
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April 2, 2021great story and text appearance but ending is a bit of a let down
September 16, 2021
Such a dear picture book. This immediately joins our list of perennial fall favorites.
October 28, 2021
Interesting that the characters are named Lewis and Joy.
June 30, 2022
Sometimes in facing our fears we find new friends.
December 7, 2024
Who goes there?!?! Trip trapping on my door?
November 15, 2025
This book! I teared up at the end, which is how you know it's a great children's book. Our 3 year old thoroughly enjoyed it, giving it 5 stars as well.
December 4, 2025
A cute little story about a mouse hearing a noise that freaks him out.
January 5, 2026
One of my favorite picture book authors. This was a great read aloud with a meaningful ending.
January 7, 2014
On this bitter cold day in Wisconsin, it’s a treat to review a book that has a little mouse preparing for the winter cold. Lewis lived alone in the base of a tall tree. He prepared for winter by stuffing his home with leaves, twigs and grass. Once he was cozy inside though he realized that something was missing. Then he heard a noise that wasn’t the wind. It was a scratching and tapping noise. Lewis shouted “Who goes there!” but no one answered. Could it be a cat? An owl? A bear? As the noise repeated, Lewis continued to yell. Eventually, he was out in the wind and night investigating the sounds. Lewis will discover not only what is making the sound but exactly what he is missing too.
Wilson, author of the very popular Bear Snores On series, has another winning animal character. Lewis is a gutsy little mouse who shouts at strange noises and then investigates them despite his fears. Wilson uses lots of repetition here, making it perfect for sharing aloud. The noises always have the same pattern of sounds and Lewis always shouts back the same reply. This helps build tension in the story as well, just enough for little ones to be fully engrossed in the tale.
Currey’s illustrations have a great play of contrasts between the warm light of Lewis’ hole filled with tiny furniture and nuts and the wild blue of the outside at night. Both are equally lovely, the browns and golds of Lewis’ home shine while the deep blues of the outside glimmer with moonlight.
A perfect bedtime read for a cold day, this book is also a great choice for autumn story times. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
Wilson, author of the very popular Bear Snores On series, has another winning animal character. Lewis is a gutsy little mouse who shouts at strange noises and then investigates them despite his fears. Wilson uses lots of repetition here, making it perfect for sharing aloud. The noises always have the same pattern of sounds and Lewis always shouts back the same reply. This helps build tension in the story as well, just enough for little ones to be fully engrossed in the tale.
Currey’s illustrations have a great play of contrasts between the warm light of Lewis’ hole filled with tiny furniture and nuts and the wild blue of the outside at night. Both are equally lovely, the browns and golds of Lewis’ home shine while the deep blues of the outside glimmer with moonlight.
A perfect bedtime read for a cold day, this book is also a great choice for autumn story times. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
October 30, 2013
New York Times bestselling author of Bear Snores On, Karma Wilson has penned another sweet animal tale. Lewis Mouse lives in a hole in the tree and he is getting ready for winter. He gathers the supplies of leaves and twigs and seeds that he needs and burrows into his cozy home. A nagging feeling that he is missing something is interrupted by a frightening “Scritch Scratch Tap Tap Tap.” Lewis envisions the worst – an owl, a cat, a bear – but what he finds when he bravely goes to investigate is surprising and exactly what he needs. Wilson has once again captured the pure emotions of children in a lovable character and simple tale with beautiful language and carefully constructed repetition. Anna Currey’s illustrations help emphasize the smallness of the hero against his imagined foes and draw the reader in to the coziness of his home against the stark, cold late autumn scenery. Together they have created a wonderful story about being brave, even when you are very small and a celebration of what is best about the ends of autumn.
April 12, 2015
Lewis Mouse is getting ready for winter. He has everything he needs, but something is missing. He settles in for a snack, but then he hears a scratching and tapping outside. He imagines the worst possibilities of what it could be including a bear and a cat. He calls out, "Who goes there?" But no one answers. This happens a few times until he decides to investigate. He finds another mouse on the other side of the tree trying to make a mouse home for winter. Lewis invites her in for tea. Now his home feels just right.
The illustrations are done in pen and ink and watercolor. They are colorful, but slightly muted giving them a homey feel.
This is a lovely story that shows the value of friendship. I would not recommend it necessarily for bedtime due to the large illustrations Lewis finds scary unless you feel this wouldn't bother your child. This would be a delightful book for group story time especially on a gloomy day. Recommended for ages 4-8. I think 4-7 is a slightly better range.
The illustrations are done in pen and ink and watercolor. They are colorful, but slightly muted giving them a homey feel.
This is a lovely story that shows the value of friendship. I would not recommend it necessarily for bedtime due to the large illustrations Lewis finds scary unless you feel this wouldn't bother your child. This would be a delightful book for group story time especially on a gloomy day. Recommended for ages 4-8. I think 4-7 is a slightly better range.
December 22, 2013
Lewis Mouse has a wonderful little home at the base of a tree. He has filled it with food and comfortable leaves for the winter. As the fall wind begins to blow, he settles down in his cozy home to enjoy the winter. He knows that he is prepared for winter, but something seems to be missing. He hears a scratching noise and goes to the door to investigate, but no one is there. He keeps hearing this noise, but can't seem to find who is making the scary sound. Finally he is able to find the source of the noise and make a friend to spend the winter with.
Parents and children alike will enjoy the rhyming words. The illustrations are reminiscent of the early fairy tales and add depth to the story. The tale adds suspense while still conveying the warmth of home and friendship. Children will love the courageous little mouse and entertaining story.
I received this book free of charge from Children's Lit in exchange for my honest review.
Parents and children alike will enjoy the rhyming words. The illustrations are reminiscent of the early fairy tales and add depth to the story. The tale adds suspense while still conveying the warmth of home and friendship. Children will love the courageous little mouse and entertaining story.
I received this book free of charge from Children's Lit in exchange for my honest review.
October 26, 2013
As Lewis Mouse settled down in his cozy nest in a hollow tree, he can't help thinking that something is missing. Each time as he starts to relax, he hears a noise and is sure it must be some predator. When he traces the noise to its source, he also realizes exactly what has been missing all along. The sweet story is fun to read aloud since there is rhyming text and a chance to bellow Lewis's lines, and the pen and ink and watercolor illustrations allow his annoyance to be very clear. Young readers will love seeing his chairs, covered with comfortable cushions, and the acorns that litter his floor while being reminded of the value of friendship.
May 27, 2021
I love Karma Wilson books as they are so unique most of the time. The illustrations in this book are amazing. Anna Currey really detailed every single page. I really love how it talks about sounds and how to figure out who is causing the noise on the tree. We all hear strange sounds in the middle of the night that spooks us. Cassie really enjoyed the book and loved looking at the pictures over and over again. I really enjoy reading this book with Cassie. The only thing is that I felt like the book dragged on a bit but it's not such a big deal.
October 30, 2013
Winter is coming and Lewis the mouse is settling into his cozy home when he is frightened by the noises he hears outside. He imagines that any number of big, scary creatures could be prowling around his door, but when he goes to investigate the source of all the noises he finds a new friend.
The text is full of great rhyming and refrains. Pen and ink, and watercolor illustrations. Fun seasonal read aloud for PreK-2.
The text is full of great rhyming and refrains. Pen and ink, and watercolor illustrations. Fun seasonal read aloud for PreK-2.
October 6, 2014
Lewis Mouse heard noises outside his cozy home at the base of a tree. They were scritchy, scratchy noises, and Lewis was frightened. Could it be an owl? Or a cat? Or a bear? Lewis faces his fears and goes outside to search for the source of the noise. What will Lewis find? Anna Currey has created charming watercolor and pen and ink illustrations with changing moods in the pictures, as Lewis Mouse's emotions change. A great book for kids aged 3-6 to see how our imaginations can fool us.
March 3, 2014
This one will make a great read aloud. Lewis the mouse is settling in for the winter, but keeps hearing a 'scritch scratch tap tap tap" outside. He thinks of the scariest animals that might be making the sound, but in the end, it is a surprise who was making the noises.
I like this a lot, but at the end I did keep thinking, "You sly devil, what a way to get a girl back to your house!"
I like this a lot, but at the end I did keep thinking, "You sly devil, what a way to get a girl back to your house!"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews