Mahalia Mouse and her family live underneath Dunster House, an old Harvard dormitory. Foraging for food for her younger brothers and sisters, Mahalia gets trapped in a backpack and then finds herself inside a classroom far from home. Mahalia, intrigued by the lecture, starts attending classes and soon becomes a full-time student -- all the while wondering about the fate of her family. But when graduation day finally arrives, Mahalia has a wonderful surprise waiting for her.
Written as part of his keynote address at Harvard's commencement, this latest book from John Lithgow (class of '67) incorporates his trademark witty rhymes and includes a CD of him reading the text at the commencement. Mahalia's story has an inspiring message for graduates or anyone whose success is worthy of celebration.
"The original audience for this story was adults: it was part of comic actor Lithgow's keynote address at Harvard's 2005 commencement, and the picture book includes a CD of his reading. But children will enjoy the simple rhyming story about the self-reliant, small creature who makes it big, and the double-page, digitally enhanced gouache illustrations are beautiful, especially the image of the little mouse with her laptop, spellbound by the wild-haired teacher. " -- Hazel Rochman, Booklist
Recommended Age | 4 and up |
---|---|
Author | John Lithgow |
Illustrator | Igor Oleynikov |
ISBN | 1416927158 |
Publication Date | Mar 27, 2007 |
Publisher | Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers |
Language | English |