From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
No group discussions for this book yet.
What Members Thought
Mar 18, 2010
Donalyn
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
children-s-fantasy,
ncbla-committee-2011-books
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I simply loved the illustrations. Disturbing glimpse into Audubon's life... Thought the level of writing fit well with the story and will be appealing to the readers who would love a "thick" book. Enjoyed the little mouse who is a basketweaver...
...more
The third star would be for the illustrations (like Hugo Cabret), but the story was a let-down. I liked the premise of John James Audubon's young assistant Joseph befriending the little mouse. Celeste's adventures could have been so much more, but seemed to fall flat toward the end. I was disappointed to learn about the killing of many of the birds and animals by Audubon in order to get the paintings done in the name of science. I also wonder how young students will react to the dark side of the
...more
The title and illustrations made me dubious. I feared I was in for another cute book about animals. Well it is a cute book about animals, but pleasantly I was surprised at how interesting and informative it was. Celeste is a mouse that lives in a LA plantation before the civil war. When John James Audubon arrives to study and paint the birds of the bayou, Celeste finds herself the pet of Audobon's teenage assistant. During the adventures Celeste learns what it means to have a home, how to say go
...more
I don't really know how to rate this book. The artwork is wonderful, and I love the concept of this book. I also like that it is educational in the fact it is so true to the story of Audubon's work. But there was way too much death and pointless killing- especially for a children's book! Definitely not a feel-good read!
...more
Katie and I read this book aloud together. The pictures are delightful and it made a perfect transition from picture books to beginner novels. Truly an enjoyable read with my little one in tow. If I had read it by myself, I probably would have found it a bit dull, but it was perfect for Katie and I.
A charming read. Still trying to puzzle out who might like this. The illustrations start out realistic, then seem to become more like cartoons as the story unfolds.
This chapter book is a welcome addition to the works of Henry Cole, who usually illustrates picture books. Generously illustrated in pencil drawings, it is the story of a creative mouse who encounters the great historical figure Audubon and his assistant at a plantation in the South in 1821. In the process, she and the reader learn a great deal about creativity, art, and home. Grades 3-5
Mixed feelings on this book. Parts I liked, and parts I didn't. Good drawings. Pretty cute story. Felt a little quick at times.
Add to His. Fiction.
Pre-Civil War. Southern Plantation. Audubon is a guest of the home. He is busy in spare time killing and painting birds. He has his teenage assistant with him, who mostly draws plants. ...more
Add to His. Fiction.
Pre-Civil War. Southern Plantation. Audubon is a guest of the home. He is busy in spare time killing and painting birds. He has his teenage assistant with him, who mostly draws plants. ...more
This was a cute story about a mouse finding the true meaning of home and friendship. It was a bit flat and shallow but good. It also gives some insite into the artist Audubon, who painted many American birds. It would be an okay read aloud for third graders.
The illustrations are absolutely amazing! And, I love the story. I am ordering a copy for school!
A nice book for the younger middle-grade reader, along the lines of Poppy and Tale of Despereaux. It would make a nice read-aloud, I think. The illustrations added a nice dimension to the story.
LOVE the artwork on this one!
Dec 18, 2010
Margaret Kensinger-Klopfer
marked it as to-read
Apr 26, 2011
Carol Royce Owen
marked it as to-read
Jun 11, 2012
Lara Ivey
marked it as to-read
Nov 21, 2012
Crystal
marked it as to-read
