A cheeky tale follows a speedy mouse as he taunts a progression of hungry animals — with a wickedly funny final twist.
“I’m the fastest mouse in the world!” Jake claims. “I’m like the wind. I am faster than lightning!” But will speed alone keep boastful Jake from being caught by a cat, a fox, a wolf, or a bear? “Can’t catch me!” he shouts. Well, clever Old Tom Cat will just have to see about that. . . . Expressive and energetic illustrations pair with a fun cumulative text in a mischievous story that begs to be read aloud.
Knapman peppers his text with juicy action verbs in a text that begs to be read aloud. A valuable lesson on egotism, with more than one echo of "The Gingerbread Boy." —Kirkus Reviews
While arrogant Jake isn’t the most likeable mouse in the world, readers who admire raw swagger will hope he escapes once more. He doesn’t, but Ciraolo’s sunny woodland paintings and Knapman’s engaging storyteller’s voice offer compensation. —Publishers Weekly
Reminiscent of “The Gingerbread Man” or the Russian Kolobok folktales, a sprightly yarn with a moral about the danger of arrogance. Best shared one-on-one or in a small group setting. —School Library Journal
Timothy Knapman is a children’s book author as well as a lyricist and playwright. He is the author of Dinosaurs Don't Have Bedtimes, Soon,Time Now to Dream, and the popular Mungo series. He lives in England.
Simona Ciraolo is the author-illustrator of Hug Me and other books for children. She studied animation at the Italian National Film School and received an MA in illustration from the Cambridge School of Art. She lives in London.
A cheeky tale follows a speedy mouse as he taunts a progression of hungry animals — with a wickedly funny final twist.
“I’m the fastest mouse in the world!” Jake claims. “I’m like the wind. I am faster than lightning!” But will speed alone keep boastful Jake from being caught by a cat, a fox, a wolf, or a bear? “Can’t catch me!” he shouts. Well, clever Old Tom Cat will just have to see about that. . . . Expressive and energetic illustrations pair with a fun cumulative text in a mischievous story that begs to be read aloud.
Praise
Knapman peppers his text with juicy action verbs in a text that begs to be read aloud. A valuable lesson on egotism, with more than one echo of "The Gingerbread Boy." —Kirkus Reviews
While arrogant Jake isn’t the most likeable mouse in the world, readers who admire raw swagger will hope he escapes once more. He doesn’t, but Ciraolo’s sunny woodland paintings and Knapman’s engaging storyteller’s voice offer compensation. —Publishers Weekly
Reminiscent of “The Gingerbread Man” or the Russian Kolobok folktales, a sprightly yarn with a moral about the danger of arrogance. Best shared one-on-one or in a small group setting. —School Library Journal
Author
Timothy Knapman is a children’s book author as well as a lyricist and playwright. He is the author of Dinosaurs Don't Have Bedtimes, Soon,Time Now to Dream, and the popular Mungo series. He lives in England.
Simona Ciraolo is the author-illustrator of Hug Me and other books for children. She studied animation at the Italian National Film School and received an MA in illustration from the Cambridge School of Art. She lives in London.
