Alexander and the magic mouse

If I'd had access to this as a child, it would have been one of my very favorites. I'm not sure why. On the face of it we just have a lot of words to tell a fairly simple story, with some old-fashioned art about a situation that children cannot relate to their lives.

There are lots of elements to love. Think of the somewhat vain but very brave Alexander, alligator. Think of the Yak, romping in the meadow. Of the Magical Mouse, who came with the house, who has been invisible for going on forever but still knows how to predict weather and bake teacakes. Of the Brindle London Squatting Cat, whose name is much more charming than his acerbic personality.

Think of battening down for a long spell of cabin fever, and making sure you have plenty show more of molasses and pickled watermelon. Of braving the weather to save the town. Of the old lady's fancy gowns, fancy hair, and relatively fancy tea set.

Note the art, with images that are small panels on one page, a double-page spread elsewhere, full-page, half-page, whatever it takes to get the job done. Some colored, some an orangey 'sepia' effect. Many only show bits of the characters, for example the old lady's foot as she climbs the stairs.

In our imaginations, sometimes we live in this kind of house, with these kinds of friends, and are ready when we're needed to do brave deeds!

If you like the old ladies of [b:Crictor|1097582|Crictor|Tomi Ungerer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347345187l/1097582._SX50_.jpg|1084436] or Babar the Elephant, you'll love this.
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Reread. This is now on openlibrary.org so I will let my hardcover go, either to a nostalgic paperbackswapper or to a certain young family. show less

The illustrations of the house have always made me want to live in an old Victorian mansion. (Until I grew up and learned what AC and heating bills were.)

An adorable story about a unique group of friends. Alexander, the alligator saves the day.

Kate's and Elizabeth's childhood book. Much loved.