Mighty Magnificent Mice!
by Barbara A. Fritsch
The days are growing shorter and the hassle of September is
slowing down. The weather is getting cooler and
children need a sweater when they go out to play. The leaves are
turning gold, red and yellow. Families are preparing for the autumn
holidays. October provides a great opportunity for children of all
ages to curl up with some good books to read. Mice have earned a
reputation that is much undeserved. This is reflected in the rich
diversity of book titles. The following books are of interest to
share with younger readers:
 In Busy, Busy Mouse by Virginia Kroll, a tiny mouse lives
with a family and sleeps during the day. While the family prepares
for bed, the mouse enjoys the excitement of his daily routine.
In Dot & Jabber And The Big Bug Mystery by Ellen Stoll
Walsh, Dot and Jabber are mouse detective partners. They try to
solve the mystery of bugs disappearing from their meadow. This book
is an excellent introduction to insects and camouflage for young
scientists.
In Little Mouse’s Happy Birthday by Jeanne Modesitt,
Little Mouse wakes up on a special morning — her birthday! She
decides to spend it in ways that not only give her pleasure, but
also make her family happy.
Help! A Story Of Friendship by Holly Keller is about
Hedgehog who finds Mouse hiding buried under some leaves. Mouse is
terrified because he heard that snakes are harmful to mice. When
Mouse is careless and falls in a hole, Snake is the one who comes to
his rescue. This is a charming story about the dangers of gossip.
 Mary and the Mouse, the Mouse and Mary by Beverly Donofrio
takes place in a huge house where a girl named Mary lives. A mouse
lives in a small mouse house, inside the Mary’s house. They
eventually meet and become friends. This story shows that friendship
comes in all sizes. Interesting mice literature appeals to older
readers as well.
 The Mouse And The Motorcycle, Ralph S. Mouse and
Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary have entertained and amused
generations. Ralph, a mouse, lives in a hotel. One day, he discovers
a toy motorcycle. Both end up in a wastebasket when he decides to go
on a joyride. They are rescued by a boy, named Keith. Ralph learns
how to ride the motorcycle. His adventures continue throughout the
series.
Geronimo
Stilton is a mouse that runs a newspaper in New Mouse City. His real
fame comes from the series of best selling books that he writes. One
of them is The Curse Of The Cheese Pyramid,
where Geronimo ventures to Egypt in hope of interviewing a famous
archeologist.
 In The Great Cannon Beach Mouse Caper by Peter Waugh, the
St. Louis Museum is home to Bert and Mavis. When an exhibit about
Lewis and Clark is featured, the mice are inspired to travel to
Cannon Beach, Oregon. Family love and determination, in spite of
failure and eventual success, are evident in this hopeful book.
In The Tale Of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, Despereaux is
a very tiny mouse with very large ears. He develops unusual
interests in reading, music and light. This winner of the 2004
Newbery Award contains bravery, love friendship and determination.
Calendar of Events at Plumb Library
Plumb Memorial Library has two branches in Shelton that offer
unique programs. Both branches offer a selection of stories to fit
family needs. The following are upcoming events at both branches:
- Family Place Libraries offer families of children from birth
through preschool an invitation to meet other families and
community representatives who will address issues of interest.
Older siblings are able to participate in alternate age
appropriate activities during the programs. The six week session
will be held on Thursdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 30 and Nov. 6 and 13
from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Registration is required.
- Storytimes for ages 1 and up. Registration is required. Call
203-924-9461 for times and details.
- Stay and Play is a drop in program on October 3 and 31 from
10:30 -11:30 a.m.
- Staff members are available to visit local nursery schools
and other early childhood care facilities.
Huntington Branch Library events:
- Baby Rhyme Times, Concepts and other Toddler Sessions are
offered in addition to Tell Me A Story. Call 203-926-0111 for
more information.
More fun and learning at the library.
- Tumblebooks: A website with picture books that can be read
online, plus games like puzzles, coloring books and more.
- Library Cards: Children of Shelton residents are eligible to
receive their first library card at ages
three and up. Both branches host a variety of other activities
for children. For information about book clubs, crafts, game
nights and movie nights, call Plumb Library at 203-924-1580 or
visit www.plumblibrary.org.
Plumb Memorial Library is located at 65 Wooster Street in
Shelton. Huntington Branch Library is located at 41 Church Street.
Barbara A. Fritsch is the Children’s Librarian at Plumb
Memorial Library in Shelton. |
