My kids don’t need more stuff for Christmas, but I’m always buying them new books. They’re the perfect gift really….you can always find one to suit a child, and there’s one for every age and stage.

If we hadn’t already gotten This House Needs A Mouse, it’d be on my list to pick up and put under the tree.

I read it to Ervin, the three year old, when it came in the mail, and we both got a kick out of it. Not only is it fun to read, full of action, excitement, and really adorable illustrations, but he was actually really absorbed, too…and wanted me to read it again as soon as I was done. Then the girls found it, and the older read it to the younger.

The story is about a mouse in a pet store that isn’t happy with his life and is determined to make it out. He comes up with a plan and it works brilliantly…for a while. Then he finds himself in trouble with a cat, rat poison, and traps, and has to use his tiny little brain to avoid them all.

It’s a cleverly written tale of hope, loss, family, and finding one’s purpose in life that’s as much fun to read as is it to listen to (and you know me…I don’t have much patience for obnoxious or long, tongue-twisting books). It’s repetitive without being annoying, educational but not boring. It’s heartwarming and sweet, but unique.

And as a book for 3-8 year olds, it’s not only aimed at readers, but writers as well. And what creative little minds don’t love a good story?

You can grab a copy for your own house (with or without a mouse) on the book’s website, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Big Tent Books.

I received a copy of the book to review but all opinions are 100% my own.