Bless This Mouse

An endangered community of church mice stars in Lowry's old-fashioned animal fantasy. When the mice of St. Bartholomew's-already fearing the annual Blessing of the Animals that brings an onslaught of cats into their home-learn that too many mouse sightings have prompted kind Father Murphy to call in the dreaded "Great X" (exterminator), their Mouse Mistress, the commanding Hildegarde, plots an exodus to the unknown territory of Outdoors. "Hildegarde had an EX of her own now to plan... a special kind of EX she had learned about from listening to readings from the Bible." "Peopled" with characters no less endearing for being stereotypical-a loudmouthed adolescent, a learned elder, a loyal and somewhat foolish cohort, and a disagreeable contender for Hildegarde's position-the book is an impeccably constructed, good-humored adventure filled with master plans, near disasters, and brave rescues, all gently frightening for readers even younger than the target audience. Lowry (The Birthday Ball) creates a cozy church environment of lenient sextons, disheveled organists, and skittish Altar Guild ladies, from a mouse's point-of-view. Fun and lighthearted. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 9-12.

Copyright 2011 Publisher’s Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 2-4-The colony of mice living in the recesses of St. Bartholomew's Church is facing two threats: the Great X, periodically called upon when humans suspect rodents; and the ubiquitous presence of cats when rain brings the annual Blessing of the Animals on the Feast of St. Francis indoors. Failed attempts to foil Father Murphy's plan to summon the exterminator force Mouse Mistress Hildegarde to lead all 219 church mice on a dangerous excursion Outdoors and into the nearby cemetery. From there, with the help of mouse colleagues Roderick and Ignatious, she dispatches a team that successfully disengages the sticky traps set by the Great X. With this challenge behind them, the mice must now steer clear of the cats during the Blessing ceremony. But Hildegarde cannot resist participating to receive a blessing on behalf of all of the mice, and, in a triumphant conclusion to the story, she marches in the procession, astonishing Father Murphy and inexplicably setting all the cats to purring as organ music swells. While some of the ecclesiastical references are a bit oblique and sure to be enigmatic to the intended audience, this transitional novel is likely to be enjoyed by future readers of Avi's "Poppy" sequence (HarperCollins). Pen-and-ink illustrations, many full-page, enhance the story, and an overhead diagram of the church elucidates some of the terminology in the text.

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"An impeccably constructed, good-humored adventure filled with master plans, near disasters, and brave rescues, all gently frightening for readers even younger than the target audience. Lowry creates a cozy church environment of lenient sextons, disheveled organists, and skittish Altar Guild ladies, from a mouse's point-of-view. Fun and lighthearted."—Publishers Weekly

"This gently Christian piece with Rohmann's earnest pencil illustrations will please talking-animal fans."—Kirkus Reviews

"Likely to be enjoyed by future readers of Avi's 'Poppy' sequence (HarperCollins)."—School Library Journal

"Lowry gilds her story with quaint details, extended in Rohmann's charming spot and full-page illustrations, which reinforce the comedy and action and further develop the memorable characters. With touches of surprise and a satisfyingly predictable resolution, this is a strong choice for both classroom sharing and independent reading."—Booklist

"A fine short novel for independent readers and a wonderful readaloud story for younger children. Lois Lowry again proves herself the go-to gal in children's lit."—Books for Kids blog

"Author Lois Lowry has been writing a variety of children's and teen books for decades and with this title continues to entertain with a thoughtful story about cooperation, kindness, and faith."—BSCKids.com