Awards

• Short-listed for California Young Reader Medal (Intermediate) 2014
• Short-listed for Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award 2012

Overview

A beautifully illustrated novel about a mouse, her friendship with Audubon's apprentice, and her search for home. Beneath the crackled and faded painting of a horse, underneath the worn and dusty floorboards of the dining room, lives Celeste, a mouse who spends her days weaving baskets, until one day she is thrust into the world above. Here Celeste encounters danger—and love—unlike any she's ever imagined. She dodges a hungry cat and witnesses the brutality of hunting for the first time. She makes friends with a singing thrush named Cornelius, a talkative osprey named Lafayette, and Joseph, Audubon's young apprentice. All the while, Celeste is looking for a new home. Is her home in the toe of a worn boot Nestled in Joseph's pocket Or in the dollhouse in the attic, complete with mouse-size furniture perfect for Celeste In the end, Celeste discovers that home is really the place deep inside her heart, where friendships live.

Full Product Details

9780061704109

Table of Contents

Reviews

""With a twist of a pencil nub and a turn of a phrase, Henry Cole brings Audubon to life on the page; the story of tender Celeste will charm the naturalist and fantasist alike."" - Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked and Matchless ""I have long been an admirer of Henry Cole's contribution to children's literature. With this first novel, he weaves a tale that, in addition to his delightful illustrations, has all the best ingredients--a sense of history, time-honored themes, and just the right amount of imagination."" - Julie Andrews, author of Mandy, The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, and Little Bo ""A rare gift: a novel with artwork as whole and vital as a picture book's."" - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) ""The softly shaded pencil drawings bring the story to life through Cole's exceptional ability to imbue animals with personality."" - ALA Booklist ""Evocative illustrations, compelling characters, and thoughtful reflections on the nature of home combine to powerful effect."" - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Author Information

Henry Cole was a celebrated science teacher for many years before turning his talents to children's books. He has worked on over one hundred fifty books for children, including his own Unspoken, Big Bug, A Nest for Celeste, Jack's Garden, Brambleheart, and On Meadowview Street. He lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL. You can visit Henry online at www.henrycole.net.

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