ISBN: 9781760291563

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Imprint: A & U Children

October 2016

RRP $19.99

I have mentioned before my penchant for books with mouse characters and this is no exception. A delightful and sweet story in rhyme about a family of little mice sisters who love to bake and love to shop at the Sunday market. It’s no fun being the ‘baby’ of the family sometimes as Cecile finds out when she is always left at home because she is too young to keep up.  Determined to prove to her parents and older sisters that being little is no bar to being talented, Cecile concocts a plan and bakes batch after batch of beautiful pies.

And indeed when her delicious delicacies win over the heart of the Queen herself there is such rejoicing in her family that there is no doubt she will never be left behind again.  “Great things can come from the smallest of us.”

This book is a charmer in every aspect: from its lovely textured hardcover to the winsome illustrations in pastel palettes surrounded by effective use of white space to the easy and flowing rhyme.

It would not only make a wonderful read for those emerging readers with a little more ability and confidence but a super read-aloud particularly for girls.

Highly recommended for young readers from around 6 and up.