Darwin Finds Freedom

by Nicolelisa Schraeder, H.C. Ward (Illustrator)

Forced to flee for his life, Darwin searches for the Free Mice from Grandfather's stories. But will they accept a scaredy-mouse like him? Picture book for children who like animated animals and adventure.

36 pages, Paperback

Published May 25, 2020

Reviews

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Darwin Finds Freedom” is a delightful adventure story that blends entertainment, imagination, and meaningful themes. The story revolves around Darwin, the smallest mouse in a colony living at the base of a mountain. It’s easy to root for Darwin as he embarks on his adventure to overcome his fears.

One of the standout features of this book is the adorable illustrations. They not only enhance the storytelling, but also make the characters, especially Darwin, come to life.

The underlying themes of love, trust, and courage are essential life lessons learned in this story. The incorporation of The King (God) as a central figure, adds spiritual value, and informational pages about the animals featured in the book add an educational component. Discussion questions are another thoughtful addition, ensuring young readers grasp the deeper message and themes of Darwin’s journey.

With its engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and educational and spiritual elements, “Darwin Finds Freedom” is a well-rounded, entertaining children’s book.

First Line: A small colony of mice lived in cabins at the foot of the great mountain.
Series: A sequel is suggested in the back of the book.
Genre: Children
Author: Nicole Lisa Schrader
Page Count: 36
Reading Age: 6-10

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darwin finds freedom is a cute picture book that is written by Nicole Lisa Schrader. This book follows Darwin, who is the smallest mouse living in a colony. He has a fear that he needs to overcome. Darwin wishes he was brave like the mice in the stories that his grandfather told him.



One day his grandfather sets off to set nice free that have been caught in traps. When he doesn’t return Darwin becomes worried. His mother reassured him that The King is watching and keeping everyone safe. Darwin then sets off on his first adventure. Setting the nice free.



We get to follow Darwin as he learns to become brave and courageous. This is a super cute book for children. The lessons that the author brings into play is love, trust and being courageous.



Thank you to the author and Publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Jodi Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautifully illustrated, well-written tale of Darwin, a deer mouse who is afraid of everything outside his small mouse community at the foot of The Great Mountain. A terrible loss forces him to leave the mountain in search of a new home among The Free Mice. With the help of Mama Robin, Brown Rabbit, Paint Horse, and The King of All Creatures, Darwin faces many dangers yet finds his courage, friendship, and a safe place to live with The Free Mice.

As a retired elementary teacher, I highly recommend this book to parents and educators alike. Children will be enchanted with the illustrations while learning lessons in faith, courage, and friendship. Darwin Finds Freedom is a must-have for the little ones in your life.

[Beverly Varnado · Rating 5 out of 5]

NicoleLisa Schrader’s lovely story Darwin Finds Freedom about a fearful mouse, Darwin, shows what courage looks like in the face of fear. Darwin dares to do what he never thought he could in searching for the free mice—with the help of a few feathery and furry friends along the way and most importantly the King of all Creatures. Written in a style that children will embrace, H.C. Ward’s illustrations are exquisite and are sure to spark imaginations.

The included discussion questions will provide opportunities for further discussion and the animal facts in the back are something children this age will love.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for kids but as an adult, I loved it too! Darwin is a mouse that is afraid of a lot of things. His grandfather tells him stories of the Free Mice who live in the mountains. When his grandfather leaves to help the Free Mice and doesn't come back, Darwin finds the courage to go out looking for the Free Mice. He meets many other animals on his journey and they help him to learn about bravery. This book does have a religious theme throughout but the main point is how we find our own courage. I am looking forward to reading more about Darwin and his travels. I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publishers. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[J.J. LeVan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In NicoleLisa Schrader's tail-clutching adventure, a frightful Darwin searches to find a community of mice who know how to live free without fear.

Written in an "American Tale" meets "Chronicles of Narnia" style, the author has created a sweet, endearing message. She concludes the book with fun facts back matter on animal characters from the book AND discussion questions that help dig a bit deeper into Darwin's story.

I can't help but love a good mouse tale! Plus, the rich, colorful illustrations in this book truly helped to paint this tiny hero's journey.

[Andrea Chatman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is so cute and the artwork is incredible. Join Darwin the mouse, who is a bit of a fraidy mouse who longs to be brave like the Free Mice of his grandfather's stories. When life circumstances launch him into an incredible journey, Darwin learns of the King of All Creatures, who loves him and is the source of all courage - and that he never has need to be afraid, because he is never alone.

I had the honor of reading a prerelease copy but I plan to purchase it for the kids in my life. I hope you do too.

[Brent Brantley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was searching for a book for my grandchildren that was appropriate, entertaining, and above all, Christian-themed. I found it in Darwin Finds Freedom. Beautifully illustrated, it is a fantasy about a cowardly mouse who ventures into the world in search of other mice. His journey is fraught with perils from which he learns to walk by faith and trust in an unseen King. I highly recommend this delightful story for children to learn what faith and courage mean and the origins of the concepts.

[Susan Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a great children's book that will help your little ones deal with fear, Darwin Finds Freedom is a great one.

Darwin is a timid mouse who needs to find comfort and help. The author is wise to teach Darwin that fear cannot be eliminated in this life but it can be managed with the help of the King, our Lord.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darwin is a cute story with a resounding message. As Darwin undertakes his journey your heart will be touched and you'll be rooting for him to find what he seeks most. The illustrations really add to the story.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's difficult to find a children's book that isn't preachy or boring. This one is neither. Little Darwin is on a quest and kids will enjoy his journey. It's especially great for Christian parents who want to show their kids that being brave is being like Christ.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful book full of beautiful illustrations.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A five star story of how a scared little mouse finds freedom from fear by learning that he is never alone. The King watches over all of them. The illustrations are colorful and add so much to the story.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publishers. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Carol Schlorff · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for an enchanting children’s story with captivating and superb illustrations, look no further than Darwin Finds Freedom by Nicole Lisa Schrader, illustrated by H.C. Ward. It follows the journey of Darwin, a little house mouse who is terrified of the world, as he is forced to set out on a perilous quest in search of the Free Mice.
I highly recommend Darwin Finds Freedom as a charming tale of bravery, friendship, and faith.
(Full disclosure: I received a complimentary e-galley of this book from the publishers. My comments are an independent and honest review.)