I opted to read this book together with my young nieces, ages 3 and 5, as I am somewhat outside the age range. Even so, I liked reading this book with them, as the art style reminded me a lot of the picture books I remember from my own childhood. The girls liked the story of Mimi and her desire to be the "mousestro" of an orchestra, and we used this story to talk a little bit about why sometimes girls are told we can't do certain things - and how we often overcome those obstacles, just like Mimi does. I think this is a great book for both parents and kids alike, as it has a bit of a nostalgic feel and is less brightly colored than many contemporary books, making it a very visually calming experience.

I just read this with my 3 year old, also called Mimi, and she was enchanted by this story and beautiful drawings!
The story and style of art is very reminiscent of the stories I grew up with like Beatrix Potter. It’s whimsical, classic, and full of magic.
We were so happy to see that Mimi got to be the first girl mousetrap and loved the elements of city life vs the musical garden.

All in all this is an easy 5 ⭐️ read and I would highly recommend to other parent with children of a similar age.

I really loved this children's book! I wasn't expecting it to be a feminist storyline, but it really was - and I loved how it addressed sexism in a way that children will understand, but also in a way that they experience. Little girls are often told my little boys that they can't be something just because it's mostly men that are famous for doing it (football is the first to come to mind), and I like that this could inspire them to ignore all that.
And the art was so pretty! If my library does buy this, I'll absolutely recommend it.

Mimi is devasted when her brothers scoff at her ambitions to be a mousetro and leave her alone to pursue dreams of their own. What follows is her adventures as she finds her way from her lonely music shop to a beautiful garden where magic happens. The muted colors and whimsical drawings complement the dreamy quality of the narrative and the storyline speaks to anyone (particularly females) who have big dreams to accomplish.

I loved this picture book so much! What a wonderful story filled with such positive affirmations. Besides the engaging story, I loved the artwork as well.

As someone who just started a Free Little Library in my neighborhood, this is the perfect book to get and give to other kids for their parents to read to them.

I plan on buying a physical copy to own and one to place in my LFL.

What a delight to read!

Mimi and the Gold Baton is the start of wonderful discussions regarding women in the music world, particularly as ensemble leaders. The beginning sets up Mimi as a rootable, likeable character, we see her begin to overcome obstacles, and then the story sort of abruptly ends. The ending could be another page or two to really feel like the journey was worth it. Overall, the message is super clear and critical, and has cute connections of the mouse world to our world.

I liked the animation style and the illustrations in this book!

I think this book has great lessons, such as the idea that you can do anything as long as you set your mind to it. I also liked that the story touched on the theme of sexism.

Great story!

This book was absolutely adorable! 🐭✨ Mimi stole my heart the second she raised her little baton with that proud, determined look on her face hands down the cutest illustration in the whole book! 😍🎶

Mimi and the Golden Baton is a heartwarming story about inclusivity, courage, and following your dreams, no matter how small you are. The message that there’s a place on the stage for everyone is beautifully done, and the colorful illustrations bring it all to life in such a fun and uplifting way. 🎻🎷🥁

Such a joyful, empowering read perfect for little ones who need a reminder that their voice (or music!) matters too. After all… even a mouse needs to be heard. 💛

Mimi & The Gold Baron is a delightful story perfect for readers young and old. Readers will be delighted by the stunning illustrations and Mimi’s journey. Perfect for my four year old who is learning how to conduct, seeing herself in Mimi. A wonderful tale of perseverance, chasing your dreams, and building your community.

Great message, nice story and beautiful illustrations!!! Loved it. Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to red this book!

This was super cute and the illustrations were wonderful. If I had kids I would read this to them, but my cats will have to do for now.

Thank you, Netgalley for the review!

This was a precious book filled with an inspiring story. We follow Mimi in her quest to become the first girl “mousetro.” She overcomes her grief of losing her parents and the meanness of her brothers.

Along the way she makes friends in the most unlikely of places. She discovers a magical and musical garden where she creates her very own orchestra.

This was a sweet book with breathtaking illustrations. I’m excited to share this book with my children and their friends!

A delightful book with a lovely story about a young mouse who aspires to become the very best orchestra leader and perseveres throughout much hardship.
The illustrations by Nicolo Carozzi are complex, imaginative, and FUN in brilliant colors.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age, including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital Galley on Thorium PDF from Cheryl Olsten | Fleecydale Press via NetGalley. *****review #NetGalley #bookbub #goodreads #storygraph
#MimiandtheGoldBaton by @cherylolsten and illustrated by @nicolocarozzi @ibpalovesindies @greenleafbookgr #FleecydalePress @childrensbookcouncil @librarythingofficial #picturebookart #kidlit #storytelling #picturebook #illustration #childrensbooks #imagination #pursuingdreams #perseverance #orphaned#accomplishinggoals #overcoming #storytelling #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #indiebookstoresca

Sweet, inspirational story about a girl mouse who wants to be a musician. I loved this! The pictures are beautiful and there aren't too many words that young children will stay interested. There is a plot but it moves quickly, which is what I want from a children's book.

Deeply charming story, from the gorgeous cross hatching in the illustrations to plucky Mimi, determined to become a the first girl mouse-tro. It has flow reminiscent of a fairy tale. The tragic orphaning, her only remaining family being her sneering, mouse-ogynistic brothers who abandon her to pursue their own dreams, the chance meeting with the kindly conductor who gives her the magic item that is the key to healing a musical wound in the world. A feast for the eyes and a story that I can tell would be fun to read again and again. I want to join a ticker-cheese parade!

A delightful children's picture book about a young mouse and her determination to become an acclaimed mousetro will having young readers delighted! Pages that are filled with whimsical illustrations will captivate all who embark on this wonderful literary journey with a mouse on her quest to find the perfect location to hold her top performance. However, the lessons instilled will remain with readers for decades-- lessons about determination, self-love and self-acceptance, and being true to the friends we make along our routes.

This was a delight to read, it is beautiful, the illustrations are an absolute wonder and the story is so sweet.
Mimi and the mouse baton a short story about a little mouse with a dream a breadstick and two ugly brothers.
Recommended for people who want to enjoy life for a second, and for younglings, of course.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Mimi and the Gold Batton is a beautifully illustrated picture book about never giving up on your dreams and believing in yourself.
Mimi, the mouse, lives with her two brothers in Italy. Their mother and father were taken by a cat, leaving them alone. Mimis brothers tease her about wanting to be a mousetto (a female orchestra conductor) and then leave her alone. Poor Mimi doesn't know where to go and finds herself drawn to music coming from a cathedral. There, her luck begins to change after an encounter with the conductor of an orchestra.
As Mimis adventure unfolds, she finds her place, her people (insects and animals), and saves music for them all.
This is just so adorable. It's very nostalgic with the art used throughout the book too which I loved.

What a delightful book! Mimi’s story is one of overcoming adversity, following your dreams, and finding your people (bugs?).

Starting off quite sad, the story quickly progresses to magic and whimsy as Mimi defies expectations on her journey to becoming a maestro. The prose is age appropriate for ages 3-7 or so, and moves at an engaging pace.

The illustrations are stunning, and bumped it up to a five. They remind me a little of Beatrix potter with soft edges and shades of light and dark. The imager of the insects playing their instruments was a crowd favourite!

Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

Mimi & the Gold Baton
Cheryl Olsten
The story of a young female mouse how she overcomes her fears and finds her dreams. This is a good book with musical refences for music teachers. the pictures are beautiful and add to the story.

This is such a sweet story about a little girl mouse trying to pursue her dream of being a maestro.
So sweet with lovely illustrations.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

What a charming and delightful book! The artwork is nothing short of stunning—the intricate cross-hatching immediately brought to mind the timeless style of Beatrix Potter, filling me with the best kind of nostalgia.

The story follows plucky little Mimi, who dreams of becoming the first female mouse maestro (or “mousetro”). Her ambition is met with resistance from her chauvinistic brothers, and after losing her parents and being left on her own, Mimi must find the strength to keep pursuing her dreams. Despite these hardships, the tale never loses its hopeful tone. I especially loved the subtle touch of magic woven into the story, particularly the moment when a kind conductor transforms Mimi’s humble breadstick baton into a shining golden one. This gift becomes a symbol of her courage, empowering her to step into the spotlight and lead a delightful symphony of garden bugs. Genius!

This is the kind of book I would happily purchase to share with my children and read aloud again and again. Beyond its enchanting storytelling, it carries an empowering message: girls are just as capable of achieving greatness as boys. Heartfelt, imaginative, and inspiring—I absolutely loved it.

This book was so cute. The illustrations were adorable and my son kept trying to find his own baton at our house!

Mimi wants desperately to become the first girl mousetro, but with two brothers who don't believe in her and a mother and father long gone, she has trouble believing she can do it. When she finds herself alone and wandering, some help from a real maestro sets her on a path to an enchanted musical garden...and to discovering the courage to follow her dreams.

This is an adorably sweet story with gorgeous illustrations! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

My four year old said that she liked this book so much. She liked that Mimi accomplished her dream. I liked the illustrations and hopeful nature of the story.

Whimsical and fun. Mimi sets off to fulfill her dream after her brothers leave her. I loved the Maestro that helped her and gave her the golden baton. All the characters were adorable. Beautiful, detailed illustrations. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with this book from NetGalley. It was previously published and won awards. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

Mimi and the Gold Baton is a story that starts on the streets of Italy, a music shop in view. It’s where Mimi, a mouse, and her musical brothers live. Mimi dreams of being the first girl (mouse) maestro, but her brothers laugh and leave her behind so they can join an orchestra.

Alone, Mimi seeks comfort in a cathedral, and then in a beautiful garden her mother once told her about. Mimi meets a caterpillar along the way, and a nasty crow, but once she arrives Mimi is surrounded by new friends in the garden. New friends who gladly join Mimi’s orchestra!
Mimi and the Gold Baton is a little sad, but ultimately a story about perseverance and not giving up on your dreams.

Thank you to Netgalley and Fleecydale Press for a copy of this book!

Mimi and the Gold Baton is out now-go check it out!

This cute book has lovely illustrations. I love these kinds of books because I really enjoy artwork. The story is empowering, and it is a good reminder of trusting the process and following your own path in life.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for this free e-book!

Beautiful little story and message. Illustrations are gorgeous as well.

My daughter loved the mouses.

I picked up Mimi & the Gold Baton because I loved Angelina Ballerina as a child, and this story immediately brought back that same mix of whimsy, charm, and determination. Mimi is such a delightful little character: curious, brave, and full of heart. Her adventure has that timeless fairy-tale energy I’ve always loved.

The illustrations are gorgeous, with a soft, classic storybook style that reminded me of The Wild Swans, The Paper Bag Princess, and The Tale of Despereaux. Each page feels lovingly detailed and full of movement, perfectly capturing the rhythm and imagination of Mimi’s world.

A gentle and inspiring story that celebrates courage, creativity, and the magic of performance. I can easily see this becoming a favourite for both children and nostalgic adults.

A lovely story with beautiful illustrations, a story of Mimi, a mouse with ambitions. Mimi wants to be the first moustro. The age range stated for this book is 3 - 6, which seems a bit restrictive. Younger children will enjoy having the story read to them and then reading along whilst older readers will love reading this magical tale.

Mimi, her parents and her 2 brothers lived in the music shop. Her parents were mousicians till an alley cat carried her parents off. Mimi wanted to be the first girl mousetro, a girl leading an orchestra. They used breadsticks from the bakery next door.

One day her brothers announced they were leaving to conduct orchestras in concert halls, leaving Mimi by herself, alone and scared. Mimi leaves too and ends up at a cathedral where an orchestra was performing. As the maestro was conducting she found herself in the palm of his hand. The maestro placed Mimi on his shoulder and together they conducted the orchestra . When the concert was over, he tapped her breadstick with his baton and it turned into a real golden baton.

Mimi remembered a story her mother told her of a Musical Garden. A crow lifted her and dropped her into the garden . Her baton turned the garden covered in soot into a garden that came alive and filled with music. She ended up returning to her hometown and was considered the first girl mousetro.

The story was a story that taught children about inclusion, ambition and following your heart. It showed kids hope, determination, taking risks and defying those who tell them they can’t do what they love. It thought kids that they can make their dreams come true and that they can overcome obstacles to fulfill their dreams.

Thank you NetGalley and Cheryl Olsten

This is just gorgeous, and seeing this little mouse conducting with a breadstick was adorable. Mimi has her heart in the right place, and she's brave enough to go out into the world to become the first female mouse maestro. She gets her gold baton thanks to magic and everyone is proud of her.

The plot is a good one and can hook you from the start. However, the ending was no thoroughly elaborated or build up. The author hurried to ending leaving readers scratching their heads on how Mimi became a famous conductor. They should have cut some parts that are not really important in the story. The artwork on the other hand is the one that earned my another star on my rating because it was so good.

Follow your dreams! What wonderful whimsical book with such a strong true message. I love little Mimi Mouse, the sweet story and beautiful detailed illustrations.

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

This is a beautiful picture book about a young girl mouse who everyone says can't be a conductor and how she proves them all wrong.

Mimi the mouse lives in a music shop with her brothers and dreams of becoming a mousetro. Her brothers tell her there has never been a girl mousetro before and urge her to give up on her dreams. After her brothers leave to try to become mousetros themselves, Mimi refuses to give up, and sets off to become a mousetro. Mimi has quite the journey, but ultimately becomes the first girl mousetro! It is a story about never giving up on your dreams.

This was a cute book. We’re into the girl power. I think it would be better for a bit older, but my 4 year old did enjoy it. She especially liked the visuals.

This was a beautiful and heart breaking story. We meet Mimi, a mouse who dreams of being the first ever female “mousetro “. She lives in a music store with her 2 brothers who tease her and tell her she will never be a famous mousetro because girls can’t be mousetros. Her brothers decide one day to leave to pursue their own dreams of becoming mousetros. This sets Mimi on an adventure to find a special musical garden her parents spoke of before their death. Mimi never looses sight of her dreams and powers through any obstacle sent her way is pursuit of her dreams and she’s well rewarded for her resilience.

This was a great story for young children who may enjoy music and a great choice for parents who prefer that their storybooks contain important life lessons within the story.