The book you are looking at in the picture, A Mouse Called Wolf, by Dick King-Smith, was copyrighted in 1997. Other books by this author include: ACE: THE VERY IMPORTANT PIG; BABE: THE GALLANT PIG; THE INVISIBLE DOG; and MR. APE… just to name a few of his 130 books for children. He has three books listed in the front of this book designated for older readers: GODHANGER, THE ROUNDHILL, and SPIDER SPARROW. He also wrote “The Sheep-pig, which won the Guardian Award and was filmed as the hugely successful and beloved Babe….” (from his Amazon bio)

You will find the life of this author fascinating and can read his Bio on Amazon when you look up any of his books.

A Mouse Called Wolf is recommended for the 6-9 year-old range which includes grades 1-4. It can be read aloud to younger children.

It was passed along to me by my twelve-year-old grandson as they cleaned out the books they had outgrown prior to starting a new homeschooling year. It was one of his most favorites, and I think he hated to see it go. He told me he thought I would like it. 🤗

So, in honor of Finn Martin, I dedicate this review to him.

The book begins with, “WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOUSE was the youngest of thirteen children….” (p. 1) He was the runt of the litter and while the mother named his brothers and sisters very plain names, she felt he needed a big name because he was so small. She just happened to see his name written on some sheet music she had torn to shreds to make a bed for her babies. (I found it interesting that she could read. 😉)

His brothers and sisters felt his name was too long to say, and they shortened it to “Wolf”. They also wanted to use it as a joke, but it didn’t bother Wolf, as he actually liked it. His brothers and sisters were mean to him most of the time, and he was happy when they all left home. That left him and his mother, Mary, living together in a hole in the wall near a grand piano. The owner of the house, Mrs. Honeybee, used to be a concert pianist and played morning and evening on the piano.

And guess what… Wolf learned to sing the melodies. He added his own words, as he didn’t understand the words on the music. He was quite good at singing. Mrs. Honeybee heard him one day and made friends with him over a period of time by giving him pieces of chocolate. (Chocolate would make a friend out of me, too.)

When Mrs Honeybee has an accident and hurts her ankle, Wolf has to figure out how to call for help. A policeman comes to the rescue and helps get Mrs. Honeybee to the hospital.

Because Mrs. Honeybee can no longer climb the stairs, a bed is made up in the room beside the piano. And she is able to provide the chocolates once more. But Wolf has developed a fondness for Mrs. Honeybee that exceeds the need for chocolate.

When her foot heals, Mrs. Honeybee returns to her upstairs bedroom, and that is where Wolf shares a song that he has composed, “Swallow Sonata”. (p. 94) He could tell how pleased Mrs. Honeybee was and allowed her to gently stroke the top of his head. The ending of the story is sweet and simple.

So, if you are looking for books for 6-9 year olds, this book is highly recommended by my grandson, and by me. You can find a paperback copy on Amazon for $7.43.

Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite childhood book that you will always remember with fondness? If so please share in the comments.

Have a great week!