Bibliographical information:

Lionni, Leo. Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse. 1969. New York: Dragonfly Books, 1974.

1970 Caldecott Honor Book.

Brief summary:

Alexander feels unloved, because whenever people see him, they yell "Help! Help! A Mouse!" and chase him with a broom. He's jealous of Willie the Wind-Up Mouse, who is instead beloved, even though he can only move when someone winds him up. Alexander approaches the magic lizard in the garden to ask to be turned into a toy mouse, like Willie, and is told that he must bring the lizard a purple pebble when the moon is round. He searches and searches, but can't find a pebble. Then, he learns that Willie is about to be discarded to make room for new toys. Just then, he finds a purple pebble, and at the last minute changes his wish and asks to have Willie become a real mouse instead.

Comments:

This was one of my favorites when I was a child, and both my daughters have loved it as well. The story is beautifully told, and the illustrations (watercolor and collage) are extraordinary.

Grade/Age level:

Ages 3-7

Cautions:

If you like this book, you might also like . . .

Other books by Leo Lionni including Swimmy and Frederick.

--Lisa Gordis

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