Mortimer's First Garden

The mouse introduced in "Mortimer's Christmas Manger" continues on his journey of faith and enlightenment. Mortimer can't imagine that seeds have any use beyond the immediate gratification of being eaten, but when he sees the human family in his house plant a garden, he decides to use his last sunflower seed to give it a whirl himself. As in many of Wilson's books, the religious message is explicit. Convinced that the miracle won't happen, tempted to dig up the seed and eat it, Mortimer hears the voice of God: "Wait". Suddenly, even though he was drenched with rain, writes Wilson, Mortimer felt warm and protected. With hard work and prayer, Mortimer produces a miracle sunflower and a bumper crop of seeds, which in turn prompts the book's final teachable moment: And please, God, says a fat and contented Mortimer, I wouldn't mind a friend to help me eat these. Andreasen channels the style of Jane Chapman, who illustrated the previous title; the transition will go unremarked. Ages 4-8. "(Feb.)" Copyright 2008 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2The mouse from "Mortimer's Christmas Manger" (S & S, 2005) is back in a lovely story about spring and growing things. As he is staring outside at a brown landscape and wishing for green, Mortimer overhears a mother and two children talking about a "springtime miracle," discussing planting one small seed and getting back many seeds. He looks at his last precious sunflower seed and decides to plant it. Somewhat dubious about results, he waits and waits and hopes for a miracle. With a little help from God, who counsels him to be patient, Mortimer finally gets resultsa tall, glorious sunflower with many seeds to gather, eat, and use for next year's garden. As he cozies down into his bed of seeds, he thanks God and prays for a friend to share his bounty with, and a smiling black spider settles down nearby. This is a beautifully fashioned picture book, with delicate pastel oil illustrations that perfectly convey the changes brought by spring. The faded tan and peach backdrops gradually transform to pale blues and greens, reflecting the warming weather. Mortimer's feelings of doubt and hope are portrayed with great appeal. A fine choice for little gardeners everywhere."Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA" Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.