Tatty Mouse: Birthday by Hilary Robinson. Illus. by Mandy Stanley

Tatty Mouse is back with another book in the delightful series about the little mouse that loves to recycle. This time she is preparing to make things for her friend’s birthday and children will love to follow her as she uses her tool kit and craft box to make amazing paper hats and wrapping paper. Most amazing of all she uses tin cans to cut out biscuits and to use as mugs for party drinks.

Author Hilary Robinson and illustrator Mandy Stanley have ensured that this series of book has immediate appeal to its young readers. The narrative is told in a few words and the little 'can-you-find' illustrations gain the attention of children who love to find small details on pages. The lift-the-flap pages are sturdy and will last multiple re-reads of the books. The items that Tatty Mouse makes in Tatty Mouse: Birthday by using recycled cans and paper are ones that children could also produce with the help of an older sibling or caregiver.

Mandy Stanley’s illustrations are bright and interesting. Tatty Mouse is a loveable character, very caring of her friends who are cute, and there are many small items on each page to draw the eye of children.

Tatty Mouse: Birthday is sure to be a hit with children who will also want to read Tatty Mouse: Christmas  and Tatty Mouse: Rock star.

Themes: Mice, Recycling, Craft, Birthdays.

Pat Pledger