From School Library Journal
K-Gr 2–When faced with a real-life problem, Sam knows just what to do. After the mouse reads a note indicating that a “renovation” in his library is afoot, he uses a dictionary to define the new word and then locates architecture resources to help him design temporary quarters in the attic. Sam's cerebral style contrasts with that of his more adventurous friend Sarah. While Sam gravitates toward classical Roman buildings and grand castles, Sarah favors yurts, igloos, and geodesic domes. Seeking a perfect home, the two pals produce many miniature structures. In the end, Sam resides most comfortably under a book, which Sarah presents to him as an example of an A-frame house. Predictably, with the library renovations completed, the children's room re-opens with the mouse projects prominently displayed on the shelf tops, making for a warm, welcoming, and creative environment. Kirk's gouache cartoon illustrations are charming. The back matter includes information on houses around the world, photos, and a glossary. Newcomers and fans of the previous titles will welcome this tale, and librarians will put it to good use in their research lessons.–Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CTα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
This fifth book about the doings of Sam the Library Mouse and his adventurous friend Sarah is yet another testimonial for the specialness of libraries and books. In this episode, the mice learn that the library children’s room is to be renovated, so they seek refuge in the large attic, a space perfect for building their own houses. Using resources of the library (pencil and paper for building materials; architecture books for plans), they try various styles of homes, but nothing is quite right. Sarah hits upon an unexpected solution with the unique use of a book, and the library gets a wonderful display of their discarded homes—a win-win situation. Back matter features a short paragraph and a photo about each of the 13 types of houses the mice build. This is a fine use of light fantasy to teach a little lesson about building structures, and it will be especially useful to those preparing children for the disruptions that come with home renovations. Grades K-2. --Randall Enos
About the Author
Daniel Kirk has written and illustrated a number of popular and bestselling books for children, including Library Mouse, which Booklist praised as a “show-stopper.” He is also the author and illustrator of Library Mouse: A Friend’s Tale and the novels ElfRealm: The Low Road and Elf Realm: The High Road. He lives in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, with his family.
