The Mouse's Apples

by Frances Stickley, Kristyna Litten (Illustrations)

Mouse is having a wonderful day: she's foraged four plump apples for her tea, the most she's ever found! But here comes Bear, and he's feeling especially greedy and mean. He wants every apple for himself. Mouse might have to think up a clever trick to teach Bear a lesson...

Learn how selfishness can be replaced by sharing with this glorious, rhyming picture book.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Food, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

Frances Stickley grew up in Nottingham and Norwich, where she spent much of her time making up poems and dressing up her dog. She is a trained children’s literacy specialist and a primary school teacher who is happiest when she is covered in paint or stuck in a book. In 2017, Frances was the winner of the Bloomsbury and National Literacy Trust short story prize. She lives with her family and a big-eared dog called Babbage. When she is not writing, you’ll probably find her in a forest playing dragons with her daughters.

Reviews

[Michelle Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun to read aloud!!

[Mama Bearian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mouse finds four delicious apples one day. He dreams of eating them, until a bear comes along and demands ALL of the apples - he won't share! Mouse comes up with a clever plan, though, to teach Bear a lesson. This story has a great ending, colorful pictures, and flowing, rhyming text that preschoolers would really enjoy.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mouse finds some apples, bear demands he gets all of them, mouse cleverly sneaks her way into getting to eat most of them, and then teaches bear to share after all. Cute illustrations, sweet if improbable story, but also it's a book about mice and bears having a conversation so, it is what it is. Generally good message about sharing feeling good.

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children loved this story. When asked who their favourite character was, it's no wonder most chose Mouse. She's cute, clever and forgiving. I particularly loved the spread showing the 'green and gleaming apple in the stream within the woods'. If I could have that as a painting on the wall, I would.

[Janet Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice sweet story about Making friends, and giving second chances because one still has room to learn how to share. Loved the apples and the color palette in this book.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mouse teaches a bear a lesson in sharing. Cute. Preschool and up

[SamSamSam · Rating 4 out of 5]

MUD DOES NOT RHYME WITH WOODS. WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TWICE. But otherwise I enjoyed this story. PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS, TALK?

[J.C. Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like books with a clever plan, and Mouse's plan to get his apples back is very clever indeed.

[Callie Coox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was adorable. Loved it. Cute message, good drawings, and fun rhymes.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very cute story, but I was mainly impressed with its great message and beautiful illustrations. The pictures were a joy to look at.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantastic illustration and nice overarching message about sharing, but I'm not a big fan of the underlying trickery/manipulation message in order to get your way.

[Mary Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an utterly charming story that highlights cleverness, resourcefulness and ultimately...sharing. With its' bright, appealing illustrations, the simple rhyming text pulls the reader along on an adventure with clever little Mouse and hungry, grumpy, huge Bear. His intentions are very clear, but Mouse doesn't give in to her fears. She musters her courage and uses her wits. But, in the end, this tale also shows us that, in considering others and learning to share, we may even make a new friend. Kindness always wins. A funny, delightful story we can all relate to; witty, warm, mischievous and cosy. A perfect story to share.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A favorite at our house - age 3.5

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bear tries to take Mouse's apples but she outwits Bear and they become friends.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mouse found apples, and he loves apples! When he was trying to get them home, Bear came along and claimed them. Mouse cleverly tricked Bear in an amusing way. Wonderfully illustrated.