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Mortimer Mouse
Mortimer's First Garden
Winter is just over, the sky is gray, and the ground is brown. Little Mortimer Mouse munches on sunflower seeds and longs to see something green.
Upon overhearing the story of how springtime rain and sunshine nurture little seeds to grow into great big green plants, Mortimer is skeptical but decides to plant one of his seeds, just to see if such a miracle really can happen. Mortimer finds a perfect sport to plant the seed, and then...he waits.
And waits.
And waits.
Impatient, Mortimer thinks nothing is ever going to happen to the little seed. But then something does happen. Something wonderful. Something divine. Something green!
First introduced in the bestselling Mortimer's Christmas Manger, Mortimer Mouse returns with gutso in this inspirational offering that celebrates the miracle of springtime.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 24, 2009
About the author
Karma Wilson
108 books527 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 65 reviews
February 22, 2010
Aw, I loved this book but I didn't realize it was going to be religious. Strong Christian overtones about God, miracles and faith. The story itself is very sweet and Mortimer is adorable but not a fan of the religious tone. This would have been a 5 star book for me otherwise.
May 10, 2011
The adorable tale of Mortimer the mouse, munching his last few sunflower seeds as he looks out on a brown, brown landscape. He longs for some GREEN! He overhears the people in the house talking of planting a garden and of the miracle of one seed becoming many. Intrigued, Mortimer decides he will have faith and gives up his one sunflower seed, planting it in the soil with a heart full of hope. After some rainy, dreary days, he is afraid he wasted his seed. But a voice tells him to be patient, and soon he sees that miracles happen.
I really enjoy Karma Wilson's stories. The illustrator chosen for this work really compliments the story and Mortimer is adorable (I love the final illustration!)
I find some of the low reviews here very unfair as reviewers are knocking the story simply because in includes the little mouse praying to (and receiving a sort of answer from) God. That has nothing to do with the quality of the story, though of course I suppose it really did diminish their enjoyment enough to give it only two stars. Yes, some readers might find this aspect off-putting, while others will really appreciate this nod to the One putting all the "miracles" together. (Many reviewers found this an overtly Christian book but I think that is too exclusive; it is only "God" mentioned, not "Jesus" and thus could work in a variety of religious families.) Though I was surprised to find mention of God in a book from a secular publisher, I personally found the whole story to be very sweet and a perfect read for spring-time and for young readers thinking about their first gardens. However, as some reviewers noted, the mention of God should be noted by teachers and librarians considering this for storytime.
I really enjoy Karma Wilson's stories. The illustrator chosen for this work really compliments the story and Mortimer is adorable (I love the final illustration!)
I find some of the low reviews here very unfair as reviewers are knocking the story simply because in includes the little mouse praying to (and receiving a sort of answer from) God. That has nothing to do with the quality of the story, though of course I suppose it really did diminish their enjoyment enough to give it only two stars. Yes, some readers might find this aspect off-putting, while others will really appreciate this nod to the One putting all the "miracles" together. (Many reviewers found this an overtly Christian book but I think that is too exclusive; it is only "God" mentioned, not "Jesus" and thus could work in a variety of religious families.) Though I was surprised to find mention of God in a book from a secular publisher, I personally found the whole story to be very sweet and a perfect read for spring-time and for young readers thinking about their first gardens. However, as some reviewers noted, the mention of God should be noted by teachers and librarians considering this for storytime.
April 19, 2009
Another delightful addition to Karma Wilson's catalogue of children's books. This one tells the tale of her character Mortimer and his experience with learning about the amazing reality of growth and life in a garden. It does use a deistic if not overtly Christian perspective in thanking God for the "miracle," but it is rooted in values of compassion and stewardship that we should all hold dear.
March 11, 2022
I love this little book!!! It’s so sweet with both humorous and serious moments. I LOVE that Mortimer prays for his little gardening miracle! It brought in faith so naturally and unobtrusively. If someone doesn’t believe in God, it’s a sweet little book about waiting for a plant to grow. If someone does believe in God, it’s about waiting for God’s timing and worshipping Him for the miracles in His creation!
March 10, 2018
If I were religious than I would have rated this higher... but it felt like a book that should be read in a Sunday School. If you are a Christian and would like a cute story to share with your children this would be a good book to check out.
August 26, 2015
A cute story, and my first practice at replacing God with something else in stories. Kait's Mortimer wondered to Science instead of praying. Awkward wording, so I may have to come up with something better. A nice trip to the library though.
March 5, 2009
could we give this a zero stars? take a perfectly good picture book concept of "plant seeds, wait, then harvest" sort of thing and poison it with religion.
May 4, 2010
I left out the words "god" when reading aloud at school...worked fine.
February 12, 2018
A little mouse learns patience as he waits for the miracle of a garden.
2/11/18 Read with Lincoln, Naomi, and Julia.
2/11/18 Read with Lincoln, Naomi, and Julia.
April 16, 2019
Lovely gardening book for kids. It had my kids’ full attention.
May 23, 2025
Adorable illustrations and a cute and gentle storyline are a highlight of this story of a mouse who learns patience while waiting for his sunflower seed to sprout in the garden. There are strong religious tones which aren't apparent at the book's outset, so those who aren't looking for that sort of messaging will want to be aware of this going in.
July 31, 2019
I read this in preparation for my gardening storytime. I was completely blindsided by the religious aspects, which makes it tricky with reading to kids at the library. I think the part that turned me off the most was that it's not advertised as being religious, and then halfway through the book God speaks. It's jarring overall. The information is good, but I wanted more consistency.
For: fans of gardens; readers looking for a book that discusses God's miracles of gardening/growing things.
Possible red flags: religious discussion of gardening.
For: fans of gardens; readers looking for a book that discusses God's miracles of gardening/growing things.
Possible red flags: religious discussion of gardening.
November 20, 2010
It's a great little story about a mouse planting a sunflower. But on another level, its a story about prayer and patience. It would be a wonderful book to share as a devotional or family bedtime; however, the religous overtone may not be suitable for library storytime. It's still a little gem, and the story is one I would love to share with my family. Favorite line: "Maybe some miracles need more time."
April 26, 2025
A sweet story of a mouse (why are mice so cute in books but so hated in my kitchen?) who longs for something green. He learns that it takes patience and lots of waiting and tending, but eventually the miracles of gemination, growth and fruition delight Mortimer with enough seeds to store for the winter and also enough to share. Mortimer acknowledges and prays to God as the source of these miracles.
While I found the book a bit too saccharine, preschool listeners will likely enjoy the simple narrative and gentle illustrations.
I did not like the weeding scene where dandelions were pulled out. Yes, dandelions are sometimes in the wrong place, but they are pollinator-friendly and too often vilified.
While I found the book a bit too saccharine, preschool listeners will likely enjoy the simple narrative and gentle illustrations.
I did not like the weeding scene where dandelions were pulled out. Yes, dandelions are sometimes in the wrong place, but they are pollinator-friendly and too often vilified.
October 21, 2020
Mortimer the Mouse is back. I first encountered him with Mortimer's Christmas manger. Both of these books have Christian theme so would best be used with Sunday school or in your own home ( if those are your beliefs). Illustrations are precious. This book is about Mortimer growing a sunflower from a seed and having to have patience for it to grow until harvest. He almost gives up but God's voice tells him to wait. I can see that others in their reviews have used it in a public storytime and took out the few references to God. However I am not sure that would work with our story time audiences. Just be forewarned if you suggest this book .
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January 29, 2024Mortimer First Garden is a short picture book that would be great for Kids in early elementary but also for reading aloud o younger kids. Mortimer is a little mouse who wants to see the world green and eat his sunflower seeds. When he learns what a garden is, he is excited but quickly learns it isn’t so quick and easy.
This book is so cute and is really great for religious home. It teaches a great lesson about listening to God and the miracles He brings. I would definitely recommend this book! It mad me so happy to read it and see Mortimer journey. He has a beautiful little character arc.
This book is so cute and is really great for religious home. It teaches a great lesson about listening to God and the miracles He brings. I would definitely recommend this book! It mad me so happy to read it and see Mortimer journey. He has a beautiful little character arc.
March 10, 2018
I read this book to my students when they're on their second week of studying plants and they can tell Mortimer how it works, however, I have to change a few things I read cause this book is very religious. This is why I've given it 2 stars, nowhere does it say it will be religious and then BAM! God speaks...
It's 5 stars if you're a religious teacher/ school/ family but if you're not you might want to change a few things as you read.
It's 5 stars if you're a religious teacher/ school/ family but if you're not you might want to change a few things as you read.
September 30, 2021
For reasons that should be obvious, I saw this book and had to read it.
And it was... fine.
From the writer of Bear Snores On (a fantastic book, in my opinion) comes a long, rather drab story about growing a garden. With a smattering of God to boot.
If you're into that, great. For me, it was predictable and underwhelming. The art was cute enough but not inventive. A promising premise from a good author that failed to deliver.
And it was... fine.
From the writer of Bear Snores On (a fantastic book, in my opinion) comes a long, rather drab story about growing a garden. With a smattering of God to boot.
If you're into that, great. For me, it was predictable and underwhelming. The art was cute enough but not inventive. A promising premise from a good author that failed to deliver.
June 8, 2019
Inspired by a teacher & students he hears, Mortimer decides NOT to eat his last sunflower seed. Instead he plants it.
He's not sure at first, but with some encouragement from God's voice urging patience, Mortimer waits and his seed sprouts and eventually grows very big. His one seed turned into many.
He's not sure at first, but with some encouragement from God's voice urging patience, Mortimer waits and his seed sprouts and eventually grows very big. His one seed turned into many.
May 24, 2023
3.5 stars. A fun story, but some of the images weren't the best and I was not expecting this book to talk about God. Not mad about it, but there was nothing on the covers or description indicating that.
March 23, 2024
Lovely book. Mortimer the mouse is a sweet
Character endearingly illustrated. Even though the timing of germination is a little off this book is great for understanding seeds, multiplication of seed, germination and being thankful to God.
Character endearingly illustrated. Even though the timing of germination is a little off this book is great for understanding seeds, multiplication of seed, germination and being thankful to God.
May 9, 2017
very sweet
March 7, 2019
Aw, man, I usually adore Karma Wilson's books!
April 6, 2019
3.5 stars
I liked the illustrations and the story about the miracle of spring and new growth.
I liked the illustrations and the story about the miracle of spring and new growth.
May 4, 2019
A darling story about patience and the miracle that happens when you plant a seed.
June 11, 2019
Cute story- I liked the patience of growing a garden.
It is a religious book- so that is part of the story as well.
It is a religious book- so that is part of the story as well.
June 9, 2020
I think this is a cute story and I LOVE the pictures.
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February 10, 2021A beautiful story about faith and flowers. Wonderful and simple...pure and wonderful for young children.
March 6, 2021
One of our favorite read aloud books. 💗
October 22, 2022
We loved it. Read it to my boys ages 7 and 10
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews