School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Little Mouse is frightened of dark shadows, bright lights, and even silence. However, he has a little voice inside that reminds him to be courageous whenever he is scared and gives him the confidence to get through new challenges: "You're a brave mouse-as brave as brave can be!" Ultimately, he has to stand up to friends who try to pressure him to do what he doesn't want to do, such as swing too high or slide too fast. He learns that sometimes it is bravest to make up your own mind. The story is told in simple language; the voice's gentle words of encouragement are presented in rhyming verses. The watercolor artwork features delicate-looking cartoon mice drawn with fine black lines. The warm colors match the text's reassuring message. Most children will identify with Little Mouse.-Kelley Rae Unger, Peabody Institute, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Whenever Little Mouse encounters anxiety-provoking situations (new foods, the dentist, the dark), a ""little voice inside him"" gives him the courage to face his fear. Illustrated with tidy, flat images, the book is well meaning but static, and rhyming mottoes (""Perk up your whiskers. Dip in a toe. You're a brave, brave mouse, so give it a go!"") are more peppy than helpful. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
PreS-K. Little Mouse is scared of everything: babysitters, dark bedrooms, swimming pools. He is equally spooked by loud noises and silence. His initial tendency is to give in to his fears, but, after bucking himself up with little rhymes that say he's a brave, brave mouse, he's able to takes steps to assert himself. Little Mouse knows there are lots of frightening things awaiting him at the playground. The children exhort him to go on the equipment; if he doesn't, he'll be a scaredy-mouse. He must make a decision, and so, after thinking about it carefully, he decides to forgo swings and slides--and ride the bouncing duck instead. Encouraging children while giving them permission not to be cajoled into exceeding their personal comfort zone is a powerful message. The ink-and watercolor illustrations are a counterpoint, simply executed in a childlike manner that makes use of a pastel palette. There's a place for this one in every preschool and kindergarten library. --Ilene Cooper Copyright 2005 Booklist
