By
– April 2, 2012
This delightful picture book tells the story of ten old men who come to pray at the synagogue every morning and evening. One day, a mouse takes up residence among the holy books. What should the men do? After a half-hearted attempt to catch the mouse, the men begin to enjoy their new pet. After all, they haven’t had a new member for thirty-five years! They coddle the mouse until one day they realize that he is a she, who has given birth to ten babies. The men release the mouse family into the country, but soon miss their pet. Not to worry. The mother mouse returns to the synagogue, ready to take up her cozy life once more. This gentle story of loneliness and friendship strikes an honest chord. Each old man is depicted as an individual, who might be someone’s “zayde” going to “daven” at the old “shul”. Who has not seen a nearly abandoned synagogue in the city’s downtown core? The watercolor illustrations by Gary Clement complement the text with plenty of humorous details. Ten Old Men and a Mouse is sure to enchant young and old alike. Ages 4 – 7.
Reading Guide
Andrea Davidson is the librarian of The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood, Ohio. She holds an M.L.S. from the University of Michigan and is a former member of the Sydney Taylor Book Awards Committee. She enjoys trying out the books she reviews on the kids at the Temple and on her grandchildren.
