The Mouse in the Manger

by Eric Schrotenboer

Little Mouse feels small and insignificant, especially compared to all the other animals in the Bethlehem house where he lives. He wishes he had a special talent to share or an important purpose to fulfill.

Then one night, a couple named Mary and Joseph arrive looking for somewhere to stay after a long journey. The usual guest room is full, but the family members offer radical hospitality and make space for Joseph and Mary to be comfortable and warm.

That same night, Mary gives birth to a baby boy named Jesus. Little Mouse wants to do something special for the new baby, but feels like he has nothing to offer. Through the words and the illustrations, The Mouse and the Manger helps young readers learn about the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the Bible.

Will Little Mouse think of a way to give Jesus a special gift?

For ages 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 11, 2022

About the author

I’m an author, filmmaker, composer, and Bible teacher. I live in Grand Rapids, MI with my wife and two children, Meryn and Judah. I am a storyteller at heart and love telling stories through books, film, and music.

I love Jesus and helping people better understand the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the Bible. I love helping people fall more deeply in love with Jesus and God’s word by leading study trips to the lands of the Bible through my ministry, The Acacia Project, and with the resources we create through Fresh Wind Studios.

I am the founder of Fresh Wind Studios. We create and publish resources for kids and families. My wife and I are the authors of The Wandering Wise Men, a Christmas activity set, that includes a rhyming children’s picture book, a 37-day family devotional, and 3 plush wise men toys. We are also the authors of Hear, O Little One: In the Morning and in the Evening, a flip board book based on Deuteronomy 6:4-9, the Shema.

Along with books, I make documentaries and write music for films. I have six piano albums of traditional hymns set in contemporary arrangements that you can hear wherever you listen to music.

Reviews

[Jamie Hop]

This book is a unique perspective on the well known and loved Christmas story! I’ve read many children's Christmas books and this one stands out as a new favorite! The Biblical and cultural accuracy along with the beautiful illustrations make it a book I plan to gift to the kiddos in my life this Christmas season. I highly recommend!

[Amy Houts]

A precious new picture book, The Mouse in the Manger, retells the nativity story from the perspective of someone who is small and helpless. That’s one reason children like mice characters. Children sometimes feel like that. The book asks a question we ask ourselves. We can we give? What is worthy enough to give the Christ child? (I won’t spoil it by telling you the mouse’s special gift.) Authors Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer gentle rhymes convey a deeper meaning, adding cultural and historical significance to the setting in the story and include information in the back matter. Bathed in softness and light, the artistic illustrations by Wolfordeer Colony Studios pull back the curtain and let the reader glimpse at that fateful night. This book will be enjoyed by families every Christmas. I was given access to a digital copy to write this review, and I’m so glad I was! The mouse learned, “No matter how small you are, you can still make a big difference!” –Amy Houts, author of Christian Q&A Book for Kids (Rockridge Press)

[Glenys Nellist]

Parents and Children's Ministers everywhere need to add this lovely new title to their Christmas bookshelves. In this rhyming picture book, we meet a little mouse who lives in the manger that became Jesus' bed. Comparing himself to the other animals, who all seem to have so much to offer than him, the little mouse wonders.. what can I do for Jesus? Am I too small? Children of all ages will delight in this simple, but powerful tale that reminds them.. we are never too small to make a difference.

[M]

The Mouse in the Manger is a beautiful book to add to any collection of Christmas books. Through this book, readers learn much more about the historical setting and the community of hospitality that would have surrounded the birth of Jesus. Children reading this book will see that they are an important part of God’s kingdom and that they have valuable gifts, just like the mouse, no matter their age or size. Adult readers might also discover something new about this well-known story. The Mouse in the Manger should for sure in your family’s Christmas library.