Pizza Mouse
Michael Garland, Author and Illustrator
Holiday House, Fiction, Sep. 5, 2017
Series: I Like to Read
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Mice, City life, Food
Opening: No one likes mice.
Synopsis: Life is a challenge for a city mouse. There are daily dangers and he has to survive dogs, cats, owls, and people. But when the whiskered hero of this story uncovers one of the greatest treats New York City has to offer a forager―a discarded slice of pepperoni pizza―the danger is all worth it! Now it’s up to the tiny Pizza Mouse to get the gigantic slice safely home to his family.
Why I like this book:
Michael Garland has written and illustrated a humorous book with very simple text and an engaging plot for children learning to read on their own. This city mouse narrates his story with a little bit of attitude and a lot of determination. After all, he has a family depending upon him for dinner. Mouse’s expressions are priceless. Garland’s digital illustrations are very expressive and a visual feast for children — messy trash spilling out of the can, running from a man with a broom, and darting the myriad of feet in the subway station. This story is fun and full of action as Mouse scurries about the big city. Garland’s early reader is inspired by the viral “pizza Rate” YouTube video.
Garland has published other early reader books, Big and Little Are Best Friends, Fish Had a Wish, Car Goes Far, Tugboat, and Lost Dog, which are appealing and create a positive experience or kids in preschool and kindergarten. Visit Michael Garland at his website.
Resources: Visit the Holiday House website for flashcards and activities.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book on author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit her website.
Children's Books Heal 
Sounds like a fun book. I don’t know this author and must look up his other books. Thanks Patricia!
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Garland writes such positive, colorful and humorous books for children just learning to read. He uses words that are fun and familiar.
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This does look like a fun book with delightful illustrations, Patricia. Thanks for sharing.
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Garland’s bold and colorful book for early readers are so upbeat, funny and use words kids recognize.
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Hold on, now. This little critter should be a rat! Have you seen the viral video, Patricia?
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That said, the book does look adorable.
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It is such a perfect story for children learning to read on their own. Garland’s signature illustrations really make his books hits with kids.
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The inspiration for this story came from this video. Thanks for sharing it. I couldn’t find it.
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His books are adorable – both the story lines and the art. I look forward to reading this!
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Just perfect for a very young reader. Look forward to sharing it with a great grandson who is going on four and learning to pick out words.
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Ha, the cover illustrations is adorable. I’m wondering if it ain’t half eaten by the time he gets it home. 🙂
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No, this has a sweet ending. Kids are going to giggle at Garlands illustrations — so bold and colorful!
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We enjoyed the Pizza Rat a lot on our local news. Pizza Mouse sounds just as much fun!
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I never saw the video until someone shared it below. I love that Garland turned the story into an entertaining early reader for kids.
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NYC pizza is the best! Even non-NYers will relate to a mouse trying to grab a slice. And love that the language is geared for emerging readers.
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Yes, I agree it is a perfect, funny story for beginning readers. Even made me chuckle.
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What a fabulous opening line! Nobody likes mice. Now, I’m curious if at some point somebody will learn to like mice in the story.
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You’ll have to read to find out. Children will find it appealing, particularly if you show them the YouTube video of the Pizza Rat, which the story is based on.
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I agree with Leslie – that first line is awesome. This looks like an interesting book. I have not read it, but now have it on hold. Thanks.
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So happy you enjoyed the book. It is perfect for new readers who will find it very funny.
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What a great book for instilling empathy for those little scavengers! Reminds me of Remy of Ratatouille. Who wouldn’t want to read about this little mouse and his trials?
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It is a great book and does remind you a bit of Remy of Ratatouille. Except it is brief for young readers.
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This sounds so fun — I love books about mice.
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Yes, I’m drawn to mice stories too. This book is just so much fun and shows kids determination.
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Pizza is ALWAYS worth it! Haha! Look like a lot of fun!
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Kids will EAT this book up!
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Gotta love a mouse wth attitude and a huge slice of pizza!
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The illustrations really show the mouse’s personality!
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