Just Like You - Softcover

Fearnley, Jan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0763622079 ISBN 13: 9780763622077

Publisher: Candlewick, 2003

Synopsis

"All of the characters . . . look cozy enough to cuddle. Readers will especially be drawn to Mama Mouse, who is huggably plump and convincing in her love for her child." — SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Making their way home one evening, Little Mouse and his mother see other baby animals and their parents, all settling down for the night. Mama Seal says she’ll dive as deep as the deepest ocean for her pups. Daddy Frog claims he’ll jump as high as the sky and bring back the juiciest bugs. And Mama Rabbit will dig the deepest, most secret burrow to keep her little ones safe and warm. "What special, special babies," sighs Little Mouse. What could his mama ever do to show him how special he is? Jan Fearnley’s humorous and endearing bedtime story captures the unique bond between parent and child - and reassures little listeners how very special they are.

About this title

Review

As the sun begins to set one night, Little Mouse and his mama make their way home, past rabbits and frogs and foxes, all settling down for the night. Each parent has a promise for his or her baby. Mama Bird will "fly across the skies, as high as the clouds, to find the finest food" for her chicks. Papa Fox, playing with his cubs, promises to "run as far and as fast as ever I can and be clever and quick and cunning to keep you safe from harm." As they pass each sleepy family, Little Mouse wonders at how special the babies must be to warrant this kind of love from their parents. By the time he and his mama reach home, he has a big question for her. "Mama, what can you do for me? You're only a little mouse. You can't fly, or jump high, or dig or dive.... Am I not as special as those other babies, then?" His mother's answer is as reassuring and unique as any mother's would be, to the immense satisfaction of every young reader.

As in Mr. Wolf's Pancakes, Jan Fearnley invites her young readers into an imaginary world and encourages them to linger. This tale of love is saved from sugar overload by Little Mouse's realistically self-centered view, and with the charming depictions of their home, decorated with scavenged paintbrushes, matchboxes, coins, and hard candies. (Ages 4 to 8)--Emilie Coulter

About the Author

Jan Fearnley is a multi-award-winning author/illustrator. Her Mr Wolf picture books have sold over 100,000 copies in the UK alone. Her many awards include the AOI Gold Award in 2002 for Mr Wolf and the Three Bears, an Oppenheim Portfolio Gold Award for A Perfect Day For It and the Stockport Children's Book also shortlisted for the Blue Peter Award. Her books include 'The Baby Dragon-Tamer', 'Harry and the Jaggedy Daggers', 'Flying Like Flittermouse', 'Mr Wolf's Pancakes', 'Mr Wolf and the Three Bears', 'Mr Wolf and the Enormous Turnip', 'Arthur and the Meanies' and 'Just Like You'.

About this edition

• Publisher: Candlewick
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0763622079
• ISBN 13: 9780763622077
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Fearnley Jan