Mouse's First Night at Moonlight School

by Simon Puttock, Ali Pye (Illustrator)

Overview

“A reassuring look at feeling shy on the first day in the classroom.”—The Independent (U.K.)

It's Mouse's first night at Miss Moon's Moonlight School but she is shy, too shy to even say hello. Luckily, with help from Miss Moon and her new friends Bat, Cat, and Owl, a game of hide-and-seek makes Mouse feel right at home.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780763676070
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	06/09/2015
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	10.70(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Simon Puttock has written several children’s books, among them a winner of a Scottish Children’s Book Award. He has lived in New Zealand, Trinidad, Australia, England, and Barbados. Now he lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Ali Pye has wanted to be an illustrator ever since she was little, when she drew stories and stuck the pages together to make little books. But it took her a few years and a stint as a copy editor before she started drawing professionally in 2010. She lives in London.

Editorial Reviews

05/11/2015
A young witch holds court at Miss Moon’s Moonlight School, which is indeed held under the glow of an enormous full moon that hangs in a pale night sky. Miss Moon’s wide-eyed students—Owl, Bat, and Cat—promptly take their seats, but shy Mouse hides behind a curtain. To boost Mouse’s confidence, Miss Moon suggests that they play hide-and-seek, letting Mouse’s skills shine. Combining loose, crayonlike lines with moody blocks of color, Pye’s digital illustrations inject humor into the story as Miss Moon easily tracks down Owl, Bat, and Cat, while Mouse finds a winning hiding spot (Miss Moon’s hat). Beneath the only-slightly-spooky trappings, it’s a sweet and gentle exploration of first-day jitters. Ages 3–7. (June)

Publishers Weekly

Pye's digital illustrations are full of shadows brightened by both a few lanterns and the moon, never letting readers forget the specialness of this particular school.
—Kirkus Reviews

Beneath the only-slightly-spooky trappings, it’s a sweet and gentle exploration of first-day jitters.
—Publishers Weekly

Puttock’s sweet story of encouragement pairs well with Pye’s delightful illustrations. A first purchase, especially for family-friendly Halloween storytimes.
—School Library Journal

A sweet, entertaining story that will comfort those nervous to start school themselves.
—Booklist

From the Publisher

2015-05-06
A shy new student uses her best talent to ease into her first night at school. Anxious Mouse has a clever solution for her first-night worries: she sneaks into school early and hides so as to avoid her classmates and teacher. But her manners are too good to ignore the black-hat-clad teacher when she asks if Mouse is present, and glasses-wearing Bat, Cat, Owl, and Miss Moon all compliment her excellent hiding ability. Then the five enjoy a rousing game of hide-and-seek (Mouse proves she's the best, though observant readers may spot her) before a midnight snack. The slight tale doesn't offer much for those who are similarly nervous or shy about their own first days of school. While the classroom is outfitted with some familiar school things, there are also some standouts that suit Moonlight School, including books of spells, a jar labeled "eyes of newts," and a jar holding the classroom's supply of magic wands. Pye's digital illustrations are full of shadows brightened by both a few lanterns and the moon, never letting readers forget the specialness of this particular school. Unless they are as good at hiding as Mouse, readers will be hard-pressed to apply any lessons learned here in their own lives. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews