If a cat is called Mouse, it’s bound to make small children laugh. But Patti Tingen’s picture book, A Cat Named Mouse, invites children and their guardians to see life through the eyes of a mis-named, easily-teased animal, and offers wise lessons in friendship.

The illustrations are bright and clear, giving a great sense of the action, from dog rolling in mirth on the ground, to cat preparing to pounce. The writing is quick and light too, nicely designed on the page, with a pleasing mix of text, dialog and rhyme. Bright colors emphasize words that might soon have a small child reading along. And scenes straight from the lives of children have the teased learning to tease, while a kind mouse cries “Enough!... Try to be kind...”

A Cat Named Mouse is a lovely story, beautifully –presented, wise and fun!

Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review. ( )