A Mouse Called Wolf

I have not written a review in a while because I was trying to decide which book would be a good choice. I have decided to discuss with you Dick King-Smith's book A Mouse Called Wolf. This book is ideal for kids ages 9-11. However, I think even adults would enjoy it. Although the title may sound odd to you; it is very accurate. The story is about a mouse named Wolfgang Amadeus Mouse, Wolf for short. Wolf discovers that he has the amazing ability to be able to sing the music he hears being played by the human that lives around him. Although he can not speak "human" he is able to mimic the sounds no matter how complex the piece of music is. He learns to love music and the human as well. His mother however is not so excited about the music; she cares more about the food that Wolf brings home that the human gives to him as a way of showing gratitude.

This story is a great way for children to understand differences. The human, Mrs. Honeybee, and Wolf are not able to communicate by talking instead they communicate through their love of music. Wolf understands when his friend is sick and can not play the same. In fact, at one point in the story his friend becomes injured and cannot call for help. Wolf finds her upstairs and begins to sing loudly (for a mouse), which ends up helping people to find the woman and get her to the hospital. It is a moving book; and I will admit it provided me with a new appreciation for music. It is true that different types of music can bring many types of people together, why not a human and a mouse.
I found this story compelling and yet simplistic, which allows the children to grasp the point of the book as well. It is nice to read a book that puts you in the prospective of another creature. This story is written by a third person point of view that follows Wolf. You really can see how even something as simple as climbing up stairs could be difficult for a small mouse. It was a nice change of pace.