The Outermost Mouse
Written by Lauren Wolk
Illustrated by Kristen Adam
New York, NY: Dutton Children's Books, 2026. Picture Book.
Have you every loved a place so much you couldn't imagine leaving it? That is how the little mouse in the story The Outermost Mouse feels about her home. It is a cozy little cottage that sits right by the edge of the sea. She loves everything about her life there: the sand, the water, the sky, and the snug house she has made her own. But the ocean has other plans. As a storm approaches and the waves creep closer and closer to the house, this tiny mouse discovers that protecting the place she loves will take a lot of courage. The story is a gentle reminder that even when we can't save everything we love, we can still be brave enough to ride the waves and see what comes next.
This is the author's first picture book, and it's a beautiful one. There is something almost old-fashioned and fairy-tale-like about the story, with its tiny heroine, seaside cottage, and wild ocean. The watercolor illustrations are lovely and give the mouse's world a cozy and wonderfully wild feel. It's a lovely choice for children who enjoy stories about animals and adventure.

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