Sometimes when I am making these posts I have a good idea and a good start without doing much searching. This list is not that. This one came about because I was going through the list of 200+ Christmas books we read every year, pulling ones for other lists, when I realized there were A LOT of books about mice. A LOT.
Now, personally, I do not care for mice, particularly in my home. I suppose in a forest or meadow or wherever mice prefer to live that AREN'T someone's house...yes, mice, you go live. HOWEVER. When it is any house, specifically mine, that I am talking about...I do NOT want to see you. At all.
We've had 3 mice experiences in 17 years here. The most recent was in 2017 when I found a DEAD ONE in our washing machine. After I had just washed a load of clothes. I wanted to burn down the house (we still have the house AND the washing machine). The other two were typical mice where we eventually caught them in a trap (after I had to convince Matt for a few days that I had seen one dart under the couch and then made him get up with me (this is when he worked 2nds and I worked 1sts) to check the traps before I would go downstairs). Both of those were 10+ years ago.
But, despite being mildly traumatized by mice (I *touched* the one in the washer, not realizing what it was), a whole bunch of books about them still make our list. And I willingly choose to read them year after year.
The other Christmas Picture Book Flights I've done are: Christmas in New York, Saints, Cookies & Treats, Christmas Trees, Animals Celebrating, Santa Stories, The Nativity Story, and Historic Christmases. As well as just a list of {25} Christmas Picture Books (no guarantee of no overlap between those lists!).
This one is a Thanksgiving book but if you start planning your Christmas picture book reading before Thanksgiving (like I do...), you can sneak this one in next year. It is one of our favorite Thanksgiving books, about a mouse who sneaks up on the Thanksgiving table after everyone else is done, just to take one tiny pea that's left. Well, then his eyes grow bigger than his stomach until he ends up with a pile of delicious Thanksgiving food. The food descriptions are incredible, for a picture book, and just typing about it makes me a bit hungry for a Thanksgiving feast. It also always brings on conversations with the boys about what we would pick if we could only pick one food item like the mouse (mine would be mashed potatoes, always).
The Colors of Christmas by Jill Howarth
This is a simple board book teaching about colors and the different colors of Christmas, all shown through the lives of mice. You all, before this list I had no idea mice were so festive and into celebrating.
The ABCs of Christmas by Jill Howarth
The ABC version of the above, with clever word associations and sparkles! This is very cute.
The Little Drummer Mouse by Mercer Mayer
A very sweet story about a mouse who has been teased for the being the smallest while he just wants to play his acorn drum and get a break from his many siblings. Then he gets the chance to play his drum for the Baby Jesus who appreciates the work of the Little Mouse. (Although, would Mary? Personally, if I had a newborn, I wouldn't appreciate ANY drumming...as a mother without a newborn I still don't need drumming in my house.)
Mouse's Night Before Christmas by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Sarah Massini
This lonely mouse lives in a grandfather clock and get to show a lost Santa the way when there is a blizzard on Christmas Eve. The mouse helps deliver gifts but then also gets what he wishes for the most - a new friend.
Mouse's First Christmas by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by Buket Erodgan
One winter night, Mouse discovers all sorts of new sights, smells, and tastes - from sparkly cookies to jingly bells and lots and lots of packages. What does it all mean?? Then a special guest shows up to explain.
Mice Skating by Annie Silverstro
While most field mice would be snuggling in for the winter, Lucy takes a different approach. She's going to ice skate! And she loves the sound of snow cracking under her feet! She just wants to show off her skills to her friends but the other mice just don't get it. (I am definitely the mice staying inside for the winter.)
Sugar and Spice and Everything Mice by Annie Silverstro, illustrated by Christee Curran-Bauer
A sequel to the above, this time Lucy is stuck inside due to bad weather so she decides to take up baking, so she'll have something to give her friends. Well, that doesn't go well and she learns that it's ok to ask for help. We're all not good at everything!
Merry Christmas Mr. Mouse by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner
Mr. Mouse and his family move in under a cozy stove and discover all sorts of new things, new smells, a tree decorated with lights, and cookies baking! What is going on?!? Then they hear the human family telling stories about a baby born in a manger and a jolly man who delivers presents. So Mr. Mouse decides that his family too needs to celebrate Christmas.
Mouse's Christmas Gift by Mindy Baker and illustrated by Dow Phumiruk
A tiny church mouse finds a way to bring a community together on Christmas after the pastor falls sick right at Christmas. The mouse lights a candle in a window which then inspires others to share what they can to make the holiday still special.
Mortimer's Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
Mortimer Mouse needs a new home and this tree that is filled with lights and decorations draws him near. Then he notices a little house next to the tree, he can just move all those figures out, they don't need to be in there! And, yet, the humans keep putting them back (this lists makes me realize maybe I need to be concerned about a mouse living in my Christmas tree...).
Do you have any more to add to this list? I'd love to hear!
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