[Review Copy Courtesy of Jovial Press]

Here’s a sweet picture book about a small mouse that finds and adopts a caterpillar as a pet. Little Mouse Finds a Friend‘s characters are charming, it is beautifully illustrated, and the factual information is memorable and interesting.

From Little Mouse Finds a Friend by Jeni Leidenfrost and Jessica Linn Evans. Image Courtesy of Jessica Linn Evans.

We meet Little Mouse one day as he is getting ready to head outside and play. No one else in his family is interested in joining him, so he heads off by himself. After meeting up with a friend and admiring his friend’s pet ladybug, he literally stumbles upon an ideal pet for himself: a caterpillar.

From Little Mouse Finds a Friend by Jeni Leidenfrost and Jessica Linn Evans. Image Courtesy of Jessica Linn Evans.

It’s at this point in the story that you’ll find, for most likely the first time in your life, yourself wishing that you, too, could have a giant, squishy, and adorable caterpillar to call your own. The pug-like wrinkles that Evans gives this caterpillar makes it utterly endearing in a way you may not have viewed caterpillars before.

What’s even more surprising is how accurately Evans highlights the distinctive features of this Atlas moth caterpillar. She has taken great pains to be accurate and still have it fit seamlessly into both her style and the story. It’s a fine line she has to walk between how the caterpillar actually looks and then figuring out how it should look in an astronaut suit or in a pink dress. She does it well.

From Little Mouse Finds a Friend by Jeni Leidenfrost and Jessica Linn Evans. Image Courtesy of Jessica Linn Evans.

Little Mouse and Caterpillar go on to have many adventures together. All is well until one day Caterpillar goes missing. Fortunately, Little Mouse’s friend’s father, Dr. Vole, is able to explain to him what has happened to his beloved friend Caterpillar. Little Mouse and his sisters watch Caterpillar’s cocoon and are there as he emerges as an Atlas moth. Little Mouse and now, Atlas, get to go on one last adventure together before having to say good-bye. It is sad to see that Atlas moth has to fly away, but that’s just how life works sometimes. Not to fear though, readers won’t stay sad for too long, because Little Mouse then stumbles onto something new. The story ends with ellipses and lets young readers happily call out what will happen next.

The back of the book contains information about the Atlas moth presented in a clear and interesting way. The story expertly prompts many excellent questions from young ones – and makes for some fun conversations.

Little Mouse Finds a Friend is a wonderful way to end the day with your children. It’s lovely, kind, and informative. When the children ask to read it one more time before bed, this is one you’ll want to say yes to as well.

Recommended Ages 4 to 8. Jovial Press. November 2017. 32 pages. ISBN: 978-1684113972 Fiction. Hardcover.

Where to Get it:

• [Affiliate Link]: Amazon.com – They have a good preview of the book available to see more.
• [My Favorite Bookstore]: Addendum Books
• [Library]: Worldcat.org

Author and Artist Websites:

• Author: Jeni Leiden Frost
• Artist: Jessica Linn Evans

Where Obtained:  I received a review copy from the publisher. No other compensation was received.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

FTC Disclosures:  Some of the links in the post above are Amazon affiliate links and others are IndieBound affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase something, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Which goes to fund my family’s picture book habit.  It’s a vicious cycle, but we manage.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”