The Mouse Who Couldn't Eat Cheese: A Tale of Friendship and Chronic Illness

Alex the Owl is excited to make friends with Maya the Mouse, but why does Maya sometimes feel too sick to play? And why doesn't she eat cheese?

Alex the Owl loves to zip, zoom, and play, but she loves making friends even more. When Maya Mouse moves into the forest, Alex is thrilled-until Maya starts canceling playdates and doesn't eat her gift of cheese. Alex learns Maya has Crohn's disease, which limits what she can eat and do. Together, they discover that friendship is about being there for each other, in every way.

Inspired by the real-life Alex and written in her memory, this award-winning, heartwarming tale of empathy, resilience, and the power of true friendship will delight and inspire readers.

MB Mooney has traveled the world, teaching in the Republic of Korea and visiting places like Fiji, China, and the Philippines. He loves to write books, stories, and songs. His previous novels are YA fantasy and sci-fi, but he was inspired to delve into the world of picture books to honor the memory of Alex, a young woman who passed away from Chron's disease. He wrote The Mouse Who Couldn't Eat Cheese with Alex's mother and a friend to raise awareness and support for kids with Chron's.Mooney lives in Lawrenceville, GA with his amazing wife and three energetic kids.

Artwork created by Ekaterina Miranova, commissioned by Yorkshire Publishing.