Proud Mouse by Cara Mentzel & Idina Mentzel

Cara Lee is a proud mouse. She is proud of her big sister Dee. She is proud of her specially decorated journal. And now she's proud to become what she's always wanted to be: a student. But her first day of school is different than she imagined. Everyone keeps comparing her to Dee. But who is Cara Lee?

Faced with an issue that many young children will encounter in the next few weeks as they start school and find themselves in the shadows of their brothers and sisters who have gone before, this is a touching tale of a little mouse who has to learn who she is, rather than just being Dee's sister. Using her mother's advice that often you see yourself more clearly if you stand alone, Cara Lee sets out to discover just who she is and what her unique talents are.

A sequel to Loud Mouse, in which Dee, herself finds her voice, this is one to share with little ones starting school to give them the confidence to shine in their own way, as well as showing those around them that being siblings doesn't mean you are the same.

Themes: Starting school, Individuality.

Barbara Braxton