THE MOUSE THAT DANCED

There it was in my post box, a little yellow card telling me to collect a parcel at the counter. And in the parcel was a review copy of a gorgeous new picture book, The Mouse that Danced by Margaret Beames with illustrations by Rachel Driscoll.

There seems to be no limit to the number of picture books published featuring mice. This is another enchanting one to add to the list, featuring Fay Mouse's love of dancing, guaranteed to delight.

Round and round went the little mouse,
Twirling and whirling on her tiny feet,
So light she never made a sound.

By ones and twos, more mice crept into the attic to watch.
When she had finished, they cheered
And clapped and stamped their feet.
No one could dance like Fay Mouse.

Fay Mouse should feature in Dancing with the Stars!

The Mouse That Danced

Scholastic Hardcover NZ$28 Paperback NZ$17

As the NZ Book Council website records Margaret Beames is "a children’s writer whose rich imaginative narratives draw her young readers into worlds of drama and suspense.”

With well over 30 books to her credit Beames is a prolific writer who enjoys great popularity with young readers. “Oliver in the Garden”, illustrated by Sue Hitchcock, was the winner of both the NZ Post Children’s Picture Book of the Year Award and the Children’s Choice Award in 2001.

Margaret Beames you are a winner and Beattie’s Book Blog salutes you for your distinguished contribution to children’s literature in New Zealand over many years.