Caring for Your Mouse

Children's Literature - Chris Newsham

This book is part of the "Caring for Your Pet" series, a complete guide to pet ownership. Each volume introduces a different animal and covers basic supplies, knowledge, and preparation for welcoming this new pet into your home. Readers learn about the life cycle, behaviors, and physical characteristics of mice, as well as a bit of the history of mice as pets. Color photographs with captions add additional facts to the already comprehensive text. On the verso page we are told to "locate mouse paw prints throughout the book to find useful tips on caring for your pet," and most chapters contain a section highlighted by an orange background called "Fascinating Facts." "Pet Profiles" highlight six of the most common types of domesticated mice. The chapter relating to picking your pet is very helpful and includes information about where to buy a mouse, how much it will cost, and how much time will need to be dedicated to its care. If readers have paid attention and can answer the questions posed by the "Pet Puzzlers" they "may be ready to own a pet mouse." The table of contents, index, and "Words to Know" make this a good choice for upper elementary research; however, the websites suggested for further information are not written for children and have some commercial content. This book will be popular with its middle reading audience and a good buy for the elementary library. Reviewer: Chris Newsham