From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026

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What Members Thought

The Styling Librarian
May 07, 2010 rated it really liked it
Shelves: kids-books
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
Nancy J.
Aug 23, 2010 rated it liked it
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
Pam
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
Shazzer
Mar 23, 2010 rated it really liked it
Beautifully drawn little fable.
Caren
Aug 27, 2010 rated it liked it
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
Malissa
May 02, 2010 rated it liked it
Shelves: fantasy-kids
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.
Dana Duffy Backs
Apr 18, 2010 rated it liked it
Shelves: fantasy, children-s
Kathy
Jul 14, 2010 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: children-s
Denise
Feb 16, 2011 rated it liked it
Carol Royce Owen
Apr 26, 2011 marked it as to-read
Lara Ivey
Jun 11, 2012 marked it as to-read
Darla
Jan 27, 2017 rated it liked it
Jody
Aug 26, 2014 rated it it was ok
Susan
Nov 28, 2018 rated it it was amazing
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