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Library Mouse #1
Library Mouse
A shy mouse who lives in the library decides to write and illustrate his own tales. When he's done, he put his books on the shelves. But when the children read the stories, they all wanted to meet the author... Will the library mouse finally share his secrets with his fans?
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2007
103 people are currently reading
1,294 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 430 reviews
June 22, 2016
* * * Listened to with my niece Emma * * *
This was supposed to last us at least half the drive up to Fresno, but we barely got out of town and it was already over. Not good. Not good for me, because it meant Emma would need entertaining for the rest of the trip, which means more "SONG CONTEST!" and I am not a good singer.
Why was Library Mouse made into an audiobook? It's about 10 minutes long and that's hardly worth wasting a CD for. Why not put two or three of Daniel Kirk's books on the same disc? I've never seen them, but I assume they must be picture books, and if they're the same size as this one just pile them on one!
The story itself, of a mouse living in a library who likes to write and publish his own books, is short and inconsequential and almost completely devoid of drama. I believe Emma was only interested in it because that's exactly what she happens to be doing, too. On the days that I babysit her this summer one of our projects together is to have her write and produce a book, and she's loving it!
So, perhaps this wasn't the time-consuming book I was looking for and maybe it wouldn't be engrossing for others, but luckily for this book it found a willing audience. Even though I was driving and Emma was in the backseat listening, I knew she was taking in the book's lessons and following along intently. I knew this because she was actually quiet for the entire 10 minutes. That's a modern miracle!
This was supposed to last us at least half the drive up to Fresno, but we barely got out of town and it was already over. Not good. Not good for me, because it meant Emma would need entertaining for the rest of the trip, which means more "SONG CONTEST!" and I am not a good singer.
Why was Library Mouse made into an audiobook? It's about 10 minutes long and that's hardly worth wasting a CD for. Why not put two or three of Daniel Kirk's books on the same disc? I've never seen them, but I assume they must be picture books, and if they're the same size as this one just pile them on one!
The story itself, of a mouse living in a library who likes to write and publish his own books, is short and inconsequential and almost completely devoid of drama. I believe Emma was only interested in it because that's exactly what she happens to be doing, too. On the days that I babysit her this summer one of our projects together is to have her write and produce a book, and she's loving it!
So, perhaps this wasn't the time-consuming book I was looking for and maybe it wouldn't be engrossing for others, but luckily for this book it found a willing audience. Even though I was driving and Emma was in the backseat listening, I knew she was taking in the book's lessons and following along intently. I knew this because she was actually quiet for the entire 10 minutes. That's a modern miracle!
April 3, 2019
This is an absolutely adorable book!! The cover is beautiful and the story is magical.
There is a mouse who lives in the library.
He observes the environment and goings on and decides to write his own book. He staples pages together and sits with pen in hand and writes a book! He shelves it within other books. Someone finds this book, reads it and is excited. But, who, who is the author??
The library mouse writes another book, places it on the shelf and same thing, it is found, read and loved, but again, who is this author?
This mouse is really quite clever and he doesn’t know how positively he is impacting the children and the librarians. He just keeps writing “what he knows� because he heard somewhere that that’s what you do! 💕 My 4 1/2 yr old grandson and I loved reading that part. So much so that he became inspired and proceeded to follow the mouse example and made himself little stapled papers for a book and proceeded to “write what he knows� and embellished it with his own pictures. Wow. Talk about a book that inspires and promotes!
These little “mouse books� have caused such a stir in the library that everyone is asking who is the author?? And they want to invite this anonymous author for a meet and greet. But on the night before, the little mouse sets up a tissue box with a mirror inside and a banner on the outside held by two pencils. The banner suggests to the kids who look inside the box and see their reflection that they too can be an author. What a clever little mouse! And for them to write their stories on “what they know.� Suddenly, the library gets full with little booklets similar in style to those of mouse and each child is now an author of their own little book in the library where others can read and share their stories too!
It is so cute; there are beautiful illustrations on every page and of a rack of different stories written by these children who took the mouse advice and wrote about “what you know.�
The cover and the pictures on the inside of this book were done in an old style fairy tale-ish form and were attractive. They added more depth to the story - just picture a little mouse in his little hole behind the wall in the library with pencil to paper, diligently writing his own little stories.
A super story for budding writers and highly recommended!
There is a mouse who lives in the library.
He observes the environment and goings on and decides to write his own book. He staples pages together and sits with pen in hand and writes a book! He shelves it within other books. Someone finds this book, reads it and is excited. But, who, who is the author??
The library mouse writes another book, places it on the shelf and same thing, it is found, read and loved, but again, who is this author?
This mouse is really quite clever and he doesn’t know how positively he is impacting the children and the librarians. He just keeps writing “what he knows� because he heard somewhere that that’s what you do! 💕 My 4 1/2 yr old grandson and I loved reading that part. So much so that he became inspired and proceeded to follow the mouse example and made himself little stapled papers for a book and proceeded to “write what he knows� and embellished it with his own pictures. Wow. Talk about a book that inspires and promotes!
These little “mouse books� have caused such a stir in the library that everyone is asking who is the author?? And they want to invite this anonymous author for a meet and greet. But on the night before, the little mouse sets up a tissue box with a mirror inside and a banner on the outside held by two pencils. The banner suggests to the kids who look inside the box and see their reflection that they too can be an author. What a clever little mouse! And for them to write their stories on “what they know.� Suddenly, the library gets full with little booklets similar in style to those of mouse and each child is now an author of their own little book in the library where others can read and share their stories too!
It is so cute; there are beautiful illustrations on every page and of a rack of different stories written by these children who took the mouse advice and wrote about “what you know.�
The cover and the pictures on the inside of this book were done in an old style fairy tale-ish form and were attractive. They added more depth to the story - just picture a little mouse in his little hole behind the wall in the library with pencil to paper, diligently writing his own little stories.
A super story for budding writers and highly recommended!
February 26, 2017
اين كتابو براي خواهرزاده ام خريدم... هر وقت براش كتابي ميخرم خودم مشتاقترم به خوندنش..... چند روز پيش براش سه تا كتاب خريده بودم چندبار گفتم بيا بشين برات بخونم كتابا رو... سعي ميكرد از زير كتاب خوندن در بره :) ميگفت ميشه بذاريم آخر شب؟ بعد از اينكه همه ي بازيها تموم شد؟ :) منم گفتم باشه.
امروزم كه اينو خريدم براش فكر كنم خودم بيشتر لذت بردم از كتابه و هيجان خوندنشو داشتم....
باور كنيد انقدر اين مدت كتاباي سيصد چهارصدصفحه اي دارم ميخونم و تموم نميشن افسردگي گرفتم...
اينه كه بدون عذاب وجدان از اينكه كتاب كودكانه و كوتاه، توي كتابام ثبتش كردم :)
كتاباي كودكان خيلييييي تغيير روحيه ايجاد ميكنن... خوبه بخونيم :)
امروزم كه اينو خريدم براش فكر كنم خودم بيشتر لذت بردم از كتابه و هيجان خوندنشو داشتم....
باور كنيد انقدر اين مدت كتاباي سيصد چهارصدصفحه اي دارم ميخونم و تموم نميشن افسردگي گرفتم...
اينه كه بدون عذاب وجدان از اينكه كتاب كودكانه و كوتاه، توي كتابام ثبتش كردم :)
كتاباي كودكان خيلييييي تغيير روحيه ايجاد ميكنن... خوبه بخونيم :)
November 24, 2023
This is one of the most clever and sweet and smart little children’s stories I have ever read. Truly inspiring, too.
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It all starts with a library mouse, who just happens to love to read.
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Live in a library.
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Sam the mouse decides that because he loves to read so much, that maybe he could also write a book.
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So, he does.
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Before anybody knows it, he has written 3.
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Who is this precocious author named Sam?
Nobody has ever met him or seen him.
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When the Librarian leaves a note for Author Sam inviting him to a “Meet the Author Day� at the Library, Sam has an even better idea which opens the doors for a special activity for many children who come to the library.
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This is what makes this book so perfectly special!
Daniel Kirk, brings to life so much through his colorful illustrations and storytelling, that captures the imagination of young readers.
No spoilers from me�
But I hope you will�
Make this book your next read with your child�
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Consider making your next visit with them to the library a priority stop!
Who knows�
Maybe, you may even capture a glimpse of Author Sam�
Interest reading level: 4-8 years
August 4, 2018
This book became an instant favorite when my aunt gave it to us. I read it aloud to two of my nephews, and (while they were busy with the detailed illustrations) I was struck by the adorable and inspiring story. I’ve read a few mouse books where the mouse does something cool, everyone wonders who it was, and the mouse reveals itself, so that’s what I was expecting--but no. I was pleasantly surprised. :D Also, the illustrations were super cute, so altogether it was a great read. ;)
March 15, 2010
I wasn't totally wild about the illustrations (I think the cover art is my favorite) but this is still an enjoyable ode to books and the people (and mice!) who create them. The mouse who secretly lives in the library begins to write books by night and place them on the shelves--when patrons find the books in the morning, they are delighted and amazed. Who could the author be??? When one of the librarians invites the unknown author to a "Meet the Author" event, mouse plans a surprise. I loved the ending!!! It's a great message about how we all have stories to tell.
April 20, 2013
Oh, how delightful! This goes on my wishlist to own. I borrowed it from the library on a friend's recommendation. The pictures were wonderfully done. The story was inspirational to children or adults! It made me want to make a bunch of little books to write. I already have quite a few young/new adult books I have written for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo.com) but it is easy to forget how much fun little paper books can be. I think everyone who has children or grandchildren, and even many of us who don't, should have around the house for inspiration.
March 2, 2013
Sam was very happy living in the library. He had all kinds of books to read every night when the library was quiet. Sam decided that he should write a book of his own and he wrote “Squeak! A Mouse’s Life� and put it on the shelf in the autobiography section of the library. His book was a huge hit with the kids at the library. In fact, Sam decided to write more books. Soon after, all the kids at the library want to meet the author of the great books mysteriously showing up at the library! Sam couldn’t let them know it was a mouse doing the writing and he hatches a plan to show every kid that they can be the author!
Why I liked this book � This is a very cute book about how anyone can be an author. I love that kind of positive message! Sam is a very clever mouse. He has a lot of common sense and a great imagination (and he loves books). I like that in the illustrations we see Sam as dressed up like the characters of the book he just wrote. Like in his delivery of his mystery, he is dressed like a detective. It is a great book that encourages kids to use their imaginations and write their own stories!
**NOTE I bought my own copy of this book at a festival
Why I liked this book � This is a very cute book about how anyone can be an author. I love that kind of positive message! Sam is a very clever mouse. He has a lot of common sense and a great imagination (and he loves books). I like that in the illustrations we see Sam as dressed up like the characters of the book he just wrote. Like in his delivery of his mystery, he is dressed like a detective. It is a great book that encourages kids to use their imaginations and write their own stories!
**NOTE I bought my own copy of this book at a festival
January 3, 2016
What a fun story! Sam the library mouse loves to read and make up stories, much to the surprise of the librarians and other library users. When they invite the mysterious author Sam to a "Meet the Author" day, they're in for an encouraging surprise!
November 13, 2012
Read this series to your children or students to inspire them to be authors. Library Mouse would be the perfect story to introduce students to Young Authors.
November 20, 2019
Sam the mouse lived in a little hole in the wall behind the children's reference section, emerging every night to read and enjoy the library's many books. He enjoyed every kind of book, from reference to genre fiction, and eventually decided that he would write one of his own. His miniature autobiography proved quite a hit with the library's patrons, prompting Sam to write other books, each of which he left out for the library's visitors to peruse. When Mrs. Forrester, the Head Librarian, posted a note inviting him to an author visit, Sam was torn. Although he wanted to please his fans, he was (like most mice) very shy. Could he find a solution...?
The first of five picture-books featuring the adventures of this book-loving and writing mouse, Library Mouse pairs an engaging story with appealing illustrations. Sam is a lovable little hero, and his nighttime writing escapades will keep young listeners involved, as they wonder whether the little murine author's identity will ever be revealed to the human patrons of the library. In the end it isn't, at least here, so I will have to keep reading, to see if anyone ever discovers Sam's identity in subsequent titles. Daniel Kirk's artwork is colorful and immediate, with full-page spreads alternating with illustrations inset on the pages with text. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books about the joys of the library, and the delights of being an author.
The first of five picture-books featuring the adventures of this book-loving and writing mouse, Library Mouse pairs an engaging story with appealing illustrations. Sam is a lovable little hero, and his nighttime writing escapades will keep young listeners involved, as they wonder whether the little murine author's identity will ever be revealed to the human patrons of the library. In the end it isn't, at least here, so I will have to keep reading, to see if anyone ever discovers Sam's identity in subsequent titles. Daniel Kirk's artwork is colorful and immediate, with full-page spreads alternating with illustrations inset on the pages with text. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books about the joys of the library, and the delights of being an author.
March 13, 2008
This is a very cute story about a mouse who lives in a library and writes books at night when the patrons go home. I thought the ending was a little disappointing - he finds a way to coax the children in the library to also write stories. Had he ever been an editor like me, he might realize some people are better off in their role of eager reader! However, the 3 and 5 year olds both liked it.
February 8, 2020
I loved the message of the story 'anyone can be a writer' and I think this could be really inspirational to children. But, there are lots of big chunks of writing with some complicated language which I think some young children would struggle to access without an adult. I think this could be off putting for an emerging reader. Never less, definitely a good choice for reading to the class!
November 16, 2020
I LOVED THIS! XD Sam the Library Mouse is so encouraging! I kind of want to read his books now.. ;) This was a super cute book and I totally want to get this and the rest of the series for my younger siblings!
January 20, 2019
This is a really enjoyable story to inspire an interest in books, reading, libraries, and writing in children! I would have loved this book as a kid! :)
December 18, 2018
lovely illustrations!!
cute story takes place in a library :)
the author dedicated this book in part to librarians - woohoo!
cute story takes place in a library :)
the author dedicated this book in part to librarians - woohoo!
April 9, 2023
Sam is a mouse who lives in the library. He loves to read everything. Finally, he decides to make his own book, and then another.
When he becomes so popular that the library asks to meet the mystery writer, what can Sam do?
A unique twist ending makes for an "Aww moment" for all.
This book of creative writing, identity, intellectual freedom (everybody has a story to share, even Sam the Mouse), and inspiring young writers and readers.
Props to Daniel Kirk for his fun story and delightful illustrations!
When he becomes so popular that the library asks to meet the mystery writer, what can Sam do?
A unique twist ending makes for an "Aww moment" for all.
This book of creative writing, identity, intellectual freedom (everybody has a story to share, even Sam the Mouse), and inspiring young writers and readers.
Props to Daniel Kirk for his fun story and delightful illustrations!
April 16, 2021
یه کتاب خیلی خوب برای کلاس کتابخوانی و بچه هایی که به نوشتن علاقه دارن
September 9, 2016
1) This book was one of my favorites, and I am definitely going to be using it in the classroom one day! This book is about a mouse that lives in the library, and he comes out at night and looks at all the books when everyone is gone. After reading some, he decides he wants to start writing his own books. The mouse writes his first book and places it on the shelf for everyone to read, and the children love it, but no one can figure out who the author is and the librarian is curious where it came from. The mouse puts some more books out night after night, and the librarian finally puts out a poster for anyone that knows this author. The mouse sees it and sets up a "Meet the Author" box in the library, but it turns out when the children peek in the box there is a mirror so they see themselves, which in turn leads to the children beginning to write their own books!
2) Grade Level: Preschool-4th grade Age Level: 4-8 years old
3) Appropriate classroom use could be used in a reading lesson, or a writing lesson giving the students encouragement to write
4) Individual students who might benefit from reading this would be students who love to write, and who may need a little creative push to start them off
5) Small group use of this book could be used as a writing prompt and the small group could make up their own book and I would let them choose what type of book they would want to write since in the book they learned the different types of books.
6) As far as whole group use, this book would be a great one to show the different types of books for your students to learn, and introduce them to the fact that there are many different genres of books in a library.
7) Related books: There is a whole series of Library Mouse books
8) There is a Kindle version of Library Mouse, and a couple of different audio options that are free
2) Grade Level: Preschool-4th grade Age Level: 4-8 years old
3) Appropriate classroom use could be used in a reading lesson, or a writing lesson giving the students encouragement to write
4) Individual students who might benefit from reading this would be students who love to write, and who may need a little creative push to start them off
5) Small group use of this book could be used as a writing prompt and the small group could make up their own book and I would let them choose what type of book they would want to write since in the book they learned the different types of books.
6) As far as whole group use, this book would be a great one to show the different types of books for your students to learn, and introduce them to the fact that there are many different genres of books in a library.
7) Related books: There is a whole series of Library Mouse books
8) There is a Kindle version of Library Mouse, and a couple of different audio options that are free
February 25, 2011
This was a super cute picture book that I read aloud to 3rd grade groups during inclusion time (thanks to Mrs. R for choosing such a great book!).
Here is the synopsis off ŷ
A small creature offers his big voice for aspiring authors everywhere
Every child can be a writer—and Library Mouse shows them how!
Beloved children’s books author and illustrator Daniel Kirk wonderfully brings to life the story of Sam, a library mouse. Sam’s home was in a little hole in the wall in the children’s reference books section, and he thought that life was very good indeed. For Sam loved to read. He read picture books and chapter books, biographies and poetry, and ghost stories and mysteries. Sam read so much that finally one day he decided to write books himself!
Sam shared his books with other library visitors by placing them on a bookshelf at night. Until there came the time that people wanted to meet this talented author. Whatever was Sam to do?
The joy of reading, writing, and sharing is brought to life in this warmhearted tale.
While we read this book, we were able to make predictions and inferences, and we also talked about point of view.
I really liked reading this book to the group. The kids liked the story and the pictures, and I think it was a great way of starting a writing lesson, and telling kids that anybody can be an author.
I give this book a 5 out of 5 and would definitely use this in my classroom.
Here is the synopsis off ŷ
A small creature offers his big voice for aspiring authors everywhere
Every child can be a writer—and Library Mouse shows them how!
Beloved children’s books author and illustrator Daniel Kirk wonderfully brings to life the story of Sam, a library mouse. Sam’s home was in a little hole in the wall in the children’s reference books section, and he thought that life was very good indeed. For Sam loved to read. He read picture books and chapter books, biographies and poetry, and ghost stories and mysteries. Sam read so much that finally one day he decided to write books himself!
Sam shared his books with other library visitors by placing them on a bookshelf at night. Until there came the time that people wanted to meet this talented author. Whatever was Sam to do?
The joy of reading, writing, and sharing is brought to life in this warmhearted tale.
While we read this book, we were able to make predictions and inferences, and we also talked about point of view.
I really liked reading this book to the group. The kids liked the story and the pictures, and I think it was a great way of starting a writing lesson, and telling kids that anybody can be an author.
I give this book a 5 out of 5 and would definitely use this in my classroom.
August 11, 2019
Oh, what fun! This story is about a cute, shy mouse called Sam. He lives in a small hole in a wall that's inside a library. During the night he comes out and starts writing and illustrating his very own books. Awesome!
Can you imagine the shock and surprise in the library following the discovery of Sam's first book, called 'Squeak! A Mouse's Life'?
The library's staff couldn't help themselves from being amused and curious about the discovery of Sam's book. Nevertheless, several of the younger children felt excited. They wanted to read Sam's story and admire the beautiful colourful illustrations.
The level of curiosity gained momentum after Sam wrote and illustrated another two books. Everyone loved his books!
I'm not going to disclose the entire story, however, I want to tell you what I really liked about this charming book:
Sam's story created a lot of curiosity and inspiration for the children. His story helped them to express their own imagination, and discover the pleasure and fun of reading and writing their own books!
Finally, check-out how Sam's creatively and wisdom deals with his initial dilemma, after reading his bulletin board message from the Head Librarian, inviting him to be their special guest at a forthcoming 'Meet the Author Day' event. Extremely clever, brilliant!
This book is ideal for bedtime reading and young readers.
Length: 32 pages. Age Level: 4 - 8, Grade Level: P - 4
Can you imagine the shock and surprise in the library following the discovery of Sam's first book, called 'Squeak! A Mouse's Life'?
The library's staff couldn't help themselves from being amused and curious about the discovery of Sam's book. Nevertheless, several of the younger children felt excited. They wanted to read Sam's story and admire the beautiful colourful illustrations.
The level of curiosity gained momentum after Sam wrote and illustrated another two books. Everyone loved his books!
I'm not going to disclose the entire story, however, I want to tell you what I really liked about this charming book:
Sam's story created a lot of curiosity and inspiration for the children. His story helped them to express their own imagination, and discover the pleasure and fun of reading and writing their own books!
Finally, check-out how Sam's creatively and wisdom deals with his initial dilemma, after reading his bulletin board message from the Head Librarian, inviting him to be their special guest at a forthcoming 'Meet the Author Day' event. Extremely clever, brilliant!
This book is ideal for bedtime reading and young readers.
Length: 32 pages. Age Level: 4 - 8, Grade Level: P - 4
September 29, 2015
This is a story about a little mouse named Sam, who lives in the library. By day Sam sleeps, but at night Sam has full access to the library, reading biographies, poetry, fairy tales, ghost stories, mysteries, cook books, and just about anything he can put his paws on. Then he has a great idea one night, Sam decides to write his own book, Squeak! A Mouses Live. Sam leaves his book in the library where children find it and love it. Over time, Sam continues to write different books, like The Lonely Cheese, and leave them for the children. The librarian reads these cute tales to the children at story time and Sam inspires the children to become authors of their own books.
This is a fun picture book for children in elementary school through high school. It is great as a read aloud for introducing students to the writing process and why people write. In the younger grades this book would be great to introduce the different types of genre, sequencing and basic comprehension.
This is a WOW book for me because I love reading it. I love the way that Sam inspires the children to write their own books. As a beginning teacher in charge of writing portfolios for the entire fifth grade class, this books helped me as a beginning teacher to get the students excited about writing. I love reading this story with all of my students.
This is a fun picture book for children in elementary school through high school. It is great as a read aloud for introducing students to the writing process and why people write. In the younger grades this book would be great to introduce the different types of genre, sequencing and basic comprehension.
This is a WOW book for me because I love reading it. I love the way that Sam inspires the children to write their own books. As a beginning teacher in charge of writing portfolios for the entire fifth grade class, this books helped me as a beginning teacher to get the students excited about writing. I love reading this story with all of my students.
January 5, 2020
Lovely and inspirational
"We loved it!", raves my 4 year old. I liked the way that the story encourages kids to write their own books. The art is detailed and bright, in a way that reminds me of Mr. Rogers.
"We loved it!", raves my 4 year old. I liked the way that the story encourages kids to write their own books. The art is detailed and bright, in a way that reminds me of Mr. Rogers.
October 1, 2015
My children and I all loved this book!! What a quiet, charming way to encourage young people to consider being an author. So sweet. Great book!
February 17, 2017
I used this to help a high level first grader learn comprehension through reading strategies, (still working with her on the concept). A very beautiful book with a great message.
October 13, 2017
Lovely book to encourage writing for pleasure in KS1
October 18, 2017
My kids really liked it. Even had one write his own book and ask to put it in the library!
January 5, 2020
Sam is a mouse that lives in a library, and reads a lot of books. Then, he decides to write books of his own, and everyone who reads his books loves them.
#DigitalDecember2017
#DigitalDecember2017
April 3, 2020
Not a fan of the art that much, but I loved the story with its "you can do it" message.
March 6, 2023
This is an adorable tale about a little mouse who lives in the library wall. He writes a book and places it on the shelf. Everyone loves it. So he writes another and another. When the librarian leaves him a note saying they would like to meet him, he decides to spin it. He makes a Meet the Author box, which has a mirror in it. All the kids get excited and write their own stories!!
The story is fantastic and the illustrations are amazing too! I love a book that grabs you immediately and then makes you want to get involved!!
The story is fantastic and the illustrations are amazing too! I love a book that grabs you immediately and then makes you want to get involved!!
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