King Mouse brought back so many fond memories of reading with my parents as a child! The illustrations are beautiful and it reminded me of some of my favorite fables. The only reason I rated down was because it wasn't as interesting for the littles, who were the target audience. However, as an adult, I loved it.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This reminded me of an old timey book from my childhood. The muted illustration and the non flashy story that teaches a good lesson.

One day, Mouse finds a crown on the ground. He puts it on and becomes King Mouse. The other animals, like a crow and a bear, bow down to him and do things for him, such as bring him food and entertain him. Then, a snake finds a crown and puts it on, becoming Queen Snake. Now, all of the animals are finding crowns, except for the bear, who is left out of being a King or Queen. King Mouse is left to decide what to do to help the bear.

This is such a great teaching story for kids. It shows how it feels to be left out, since the bear was very sad that he didn’t have a crown when everyone else did. It also shows that just because someone has something that makes them popular, doesn’t mean they deserve it. Mouse became a king just because he found the crown. The crown was important when there was only one but it became meaningless when everyone else had a crown.

The illustrations in this story were beautiful. They looked like sketches in monochromatic colours. The illustrations told the story along with the words. It would be easy for children learning to read to follow the story by the pictures without reading the words.

I loved this children’s picture book!

Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

King Mouse by Cary Fagan is the story of a mouse who finds a random crown. When asked if he is a king, he happily agrees and more and more animals show up, and do things for him. But one by one, the other animals find crowns and decide they, too, are kings and queens. I found this story rather boring, and was left asking 'Wtf is purpose of this?'. It seemed to just end with no real point, and no beneficial lesson embedded within. I wasn't a huge fan of the art either. Honestly, if it were not for the fact I read this with my cubs, and some of them enjoyed it, I would have DNF'd it.

***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Penguin Random House/ Tundra Books for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Such a lovely book! The illustrations are just so soft and gorgeous, they are the star here. The story is quiet and sweet, with Mouse ultimately learning that friendship is more important than having power and being in charge. One of the most beautiful children's books I've ever seen!

#KingMouse #NetGalley

This story has the illustrations and feel of an old children's book. From the pencil drawings with no bright colours to the use of animals as the characters to the simplicity of the moral. It reminded me of stories that starred Peter Rabbit, Mr Toad, and others. So many of those stories were found by me in the 1980's in my Grandmother's farm house. They were on faded pages and had more complex phrases than I might have been used to at age 5; but I loved them all the same. In some ways I think I loved them because they were old and felt special. As much as I love the rainbow, bright, colourful stories of today; there is something about that old school look and feel that I will always be in love with.

The question becomes whether or not children today (in 2019) will find this vintage style story engaging enough. It seems to me that those children that love reading, old things and asking continuous questions are likely to enjoy this one. In fact you might find out if your child is an old soul just by reading them this book. And if they don't like it; then it's perfect for your own bookshelf to be read on those sleepless nights.

I am definitely going to try and find a copy of King Mouse to add it to my visiting children's library/toy box as I would look forward to this simple story (that has a snake in it!! awesome!) and it's gorgeous illustrations every time a child picks it up.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

This is an unusual, rather subtle picture book, which begins with a hungry little mouse finding a crown, He gradually realizes that although it’s inedible, a crown does have its uses: it gains him the respect and services of some of the other forest animals. A bear, a crow, a turtle, and a fox are all eager to feed and entertain him. The mouse quite likes being a king, and it’s an adjustment but not that bad when a snake also discovers a crown and is hailed as the animals’ queen. But what happens when three other animals discover crowns and consider themselves royalty? And what about the sole animal who does not? It’s no fun reigning when everyone’s a “Royal”, nor is it rewarding serving when you’re the only one doing so. What really makes someone a king in the end anyway: his crown or his actions?

This a quirky, slightly mysterious little picture book. The illustrations are beautiful and old fashioned, delicately done in muted, neutral tones. As the book concludes, a child on a tricycle looms into sight, the crowns apparently abandoned by the animals and left on a tree stump. Was it the child who fashioned and left the crowns for the animals in the first place? I can imagine children I know asking that question and others, as well as attempting to answer the many questions this book raises.

Reminds me of more nostalgic stories, and while it may not appeal to the short-attention span preschooler of today, it appeals to the children with hearts of yesteryear.

A sweet story about seizing the day and being kind to others. Gorgeous illustrations which, while the story is enjoyable, are the highlight of this picture book.

This was a nice story about animals in a forest finding crowns and acting like queens and kings. But I was bored. Felt like there was no point to the story. I was disappointed in this.
#Netgalley

I think this is a book that I could just flip through over and over again. The pictures are so gorgeous. But. The story felt lacking. It was cute but I wasn't entirely sure of the point. And my kids were kind of left hanging as well.

'King Mouse' by Cary Fagan with illustrations by Dena Seiferling is a beautifully illustrated book but the story was just ok.

Mouse finds a crown in the woods that fits and decides to be a ruler over other animals that come by like Crow and Bear. When most of the other animals also find crowns, that leaves one feeling left out. Mouse chooses kindness over kingship, and so makes the best choice of all.

The illustrations and story remind me a bit of the classic Little Bear stories. I really do like the lesson of the story. It just felt a bit bland. I like the illustrations as well. They are in muted earth tones. This would be a good quiet time book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

I received a free electronic copy of this children's novel from Netgalley, author Cary Fagan and illustrator Dena Seiferling, and Penguin Random House Canada - Tundra Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read King Mouse of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of the work.

King Mouse is an interesting work, encouraging sharing and mutual respect among the characters. The illustrations rendered by debut illustrator Dena Seiferling, are extraordinary. I hope we will see much more of her work. This is an excellent example of the evolution of children's books over the last 50 years.

I really hope this book makes the Caldecott shortlist because it deserves it. It is beautifully illustrated. And the story is no slouch either. A mouse finds crown in the woods. Others see him wearing it and assume he is the king. But them more and more find crowns. Except for the bear. There is no crown for him. But maybe he will find something even better. The story is wonderful and the illustrations are perfect. Give this book an award already.

The illustrations on this story are really good. I enjoyed the play acting of the characters. I confess the theme of the story escapes me completely. But all is alright by the end.

Story is rather odd and sentences are choppy, ending was also really odd, felt unfinished. On the other hand the art was beautiful and cute.

Beautiful illustrations bring this layered fable to life on the page. The gentle twists of the short tale serve up plenty of food for thought--on power, individuality, awareness, and kindness, to name just a few.

King Mouse was a lovely tale of how perceptions of a situation can drastically change when you see more of the picture. Mouse loved being King, but so did everyone else. The illustrations in this book were beautiful and amazing. I was immediately drawn in. I enjoyed the story and the through provoking questions that could go with the book. This is a picture book that could be used with any age to bring out depth of conversation.

What makes a king? What makes a queen? According to Cary Fagan a simple crown found in the grass will suffice. In King Mouse Cary Fagan creates a tale destined to be one told again and again. The illustrations by debut illustrator Dena Seiferling are so dreamy evoking thoughts of some of the classic Chris Van Allsburgn stories from my childhood. John Martz so impeccably designed King Mouse to be a book that will hold up against the test of time. As illustrative styles change, this book will stand out with a feel of old and new all at the same time.

A mouse finds a crown in the grass and places it on his head. When other animals ask if he is a king, smartly he responds “Yes!” Since he is king all of the other animals feed him and entertain him until snake finds a crown in the grass as well and becomes queen. Soon all the animals have found crowns and become kings and queens, all except bear. Sadly bear lumbers off because it’s not much fun not being a king. Kindly, mouse sees bear and makes him a lovely crown of dandelions and together they enjoy each other’s company and a beautiful sunset.

One of the lovely things about Cary Fagan‘ s writing is it has an air of folklore to it. When you read one of his picture books you are almost transported to a big cozy chair with a roaring fireplace and a familiar face recounting an adventure. King Mouse is a modern day fable reminding us of the power of the imagination and the comfort of friendship

What does a mouse do with a crown? Of course! Place it on top of his head and announce; I'm King Mouse! This beautiful children's book will engage and take you into a magical forest full of friendship and sharing. Where ultimately each friend gets to play and be included in the fun.

The illustration is beautiful and plentiful. Each story line is represented with an illustration that will grab your attention and open the imagination.