This story reminds me both of The Rats of NIMH (the good parts) and an American Tail. Little Mouse Gus was always getting picked on or was constantly afraid of the world around him. One day he became trapped in a box, an upon discovering he was in a new location had to find food and water. This will be a big adventure for a little mouse. I love that a non-traditional culture in america is part of this book’s subject. I think it's nice for kids to experience new concepts. The illustrations are amazing and while the story is overly long for most picture book, you want to keep turning the pages to see what new magic the illustrator created.

A sweet little mouse named Gus is smaller and slower than the other mice his age. Because of his small stature he often becomes a target by these bullies. They make fun of him, poke him with their noses and bite his tail. If that isn't bad enough, one day Gus gets chased by a big old cat who thinks he would make a nice snack. To save himself the little mouse hides inside a box. The human who owns the box transports Gus to an undisclosed location away from his home and family. Oh my!

He discovers that he is inside a Buddhist temple and a young monk named Jamyang takes notice of him as Gus enters into his room. Jamyang is trying very hard not to become distracted as he is mediating. He sits very still and observes the little mouse who is searching for water. Gus' effort to seek out and claim that much needed drink is awe-inspiring to the monk. Gus soon realizes that he is in a safe sanctuary inside Jamyang's room. Not only does he find safe shelter there but also a kind human who lovingly leaves him food, water and even a tiny blanket. Together they make a forever home for sweet little Gus.

"Gus' Fortunate Misfortune" is about determination, perseverance, and finding the fortitude inside yourself to meet your own needs and survive the challenges that life deals out to you. It's also about an incredible friendship between Gus and Jamyang. The book thankfully has a happily-ever-after ending, which is always my favourite way to end a great story. The illustrations are truly beautiful with magical overtones. I would purchase the book for these amazing illustrations alone. I love this positive, inspiring story and I highly recommend this book.

Gus was being chased by a cat when he ended up caught in a box. Now the box is in a new place and Gus is trying to find food and water. A Buddhist monk in the new place observes Gus’ troubles and gives him food, but it is quite surprised by how and where Gus finds water.

The artwork in this is what drew me to the book. It is beautifully and attractively done in a soft cartoon-like style. The story itself was entertaining but nothing amazing. I was honestly expecting more from it. I mean the mouse is trapped, easily released, easily finds food, and then must overcome a slight challenge to get water. He doesn’t try to get back to his family or anything, which is what you’d expect. On top of that, I’m really not sure how the students at our school would react to this. Our school is in a predominantly Buddhist country but it is a different type of Buddhism (Theravada) from the one in the story based on the color of the monk’s robes (they are not right for Theravada, but also not right for Tibetan or Zen…actually, I’m not sure that the colors are correct for any current branch of Buddhism unless the monk is supposed to be the Dalai Lama). Still, I can see some Buddhist readers finding Gus’ water source entertaining while others may be scandalized. I also know that Thai Buddhists have no compunction with trapping and physically removing rodent pests. I'm afraid that Thais also may have a huge issue with the monk having a kitchen that seems to be full of food (refrigerator, packaged chips, etc.) Thai monks are supposed to collect food during the day and not keep any extras, relying on daily donations. So I would be careful about the Buddhist family you gave this to, but animal lovers and art lovers might find it entertaining.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Gus’ Fortunate Misfortune by Susan Pepka is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. This is an adorable book about a mouse that is bullied and then taken away from where he was from. He finds himself in a new place and needs to problem solve, believe in himself, and he finds there is kindness in the world.
The illustrations are so cute!

What a sweet book about Gus, a mouse, who gets chased by a cat and ends up being trapped by a human in a box and taken away from his home and family. Gus was bullied because he was smaller than the other mice, but he must learn how to be brave if he is going to survive.

In his new home, a young monk (I’m assuming young), Jamyang is finding meditating hard as his mind wanders, but when Gus comes into his room in search of water, he must be quiet and still as to not frighten Gus and make him fall.

Pepka’s story of finding inner peace through hard work and effort is beautifully complimented by Cowman’s illustrations. The cover is wonderful, but only tells one part of the story. The real story is Gus finding inner strength to do things he never thought he could. Fantastic picture book!

Thank you NetGalley and Smith Publicity for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy.