Mrs. Mouse's House, Author's Website - Mrs. Mouse's House Category:  Children Publisher: Writer's Exchange E-Publishing ISBN-10:  187696216X Type: Fiction Pages: 62 Copyright: Jun 23 2001 Winner of the coveted "E-Books for Kids" Bestseller Award! - AND - 2002 Indie Awards Readers' Choice Favorite e-Book Award! "I Can Grow!" is the delightful story of Little Rock, a determined, optimistic pebble that more than anything wishes it could grow like the flowers in the garden. Join Little Rock as it meets Robin, Wiggledy Worm, and other wonderful characters, experiencing the cycle of life for the first time. While dealing with change, both of seasons and of self, Little Rock watches flowers burst into life, and decides it can grow too if it wants it badly enough. "I Can Grow!" is for anyone who dreams of being more than they are, for everyone who remembers the delight of just being alive, and for everyone who does not. With 62 full-color illustrations, and a coloring book, "I Can Grow!" is a book that will enchant children from 3 to 93. Laugh with Little Rock, and cry with it, as it follows a dream. It will have you cheering for Little Rock as it desperately tries to grow! Excerpt Red Leaf said, "I think you are a little rock." "Why is that?" It asked. "Because you are small, and brown, and not quite round," Red Leaf replied. --- “I can grow!” said Crocus on that warm spring day. It popped out of the ground, and reached for the sky. “I can grow!” said Daffodil, waving long thin leaves in the breeze. “I can grow!” said Little Rock sitting in the garden. “No, you can’t,” said Crocus. “Rocks don’t grow,” said Daffodil. “I can grow...” “No, you can’t!” “Yes, I can...” “Rocks don’t grow!” “But I can,” said Little Rock, “if I try hard enough.” All around Little Rock, green shoots were pushing up out of the dirt. But Little Rock sat still in the garden. It was trying very hard to grow.

Review by Linda Aksomits, author of the Gopher Gulch folktales
I Can Grow, by Mrs. Mouse, is a wonderfully told tale. Its language is simple, yet lyrical, with a rhythm that matches the passage of time in the story. The artwork, by Moonstar, provides an excellent complement to the text. Bright enough to attract little readers, the artist provides interesting textures and shading, to create very professional illustrations.
Little Rock, the hero of the story, is a compelling character, with whom children will readily identify. As he moves through the seasons meeting various other inhabitants of the world, Little Rock learns how things grow, and how rocks can't. The ending of the story is extremely fulfilling, providing us with worthwhile themes of acceptance, and yet, reaching for our dreams, for we truly don't know who we are or what we can achieve if we don't try.
"Your writing is as open and honest as you are, Mrs Mouse, and it shows" said Linda Aksomitis, author of the Gopher Gulch folktales. "I can see through the story very much how you see life, and your values.
That's what makes good writing for children. Little Rock is a universal story! Great work!"
I highly recommend Mrs. Mouse's first book, and expect that there will be many more exceptional stories to come from this talented author.
~ Review by Linda Aksomits, author of the Gopher Gulch folktales
(http://www.gophergulch.com)


Reviewed by Christine Spindler, author of
"Here is my absolutely favorite picture book," says Christine Spindler, reviewer for 'E-Books for Kids'.
Little Rock, a friendly pebble, envies the flowers because they can grow. How he'd love to grow, too, instead of just lying around in the dirt. He spends a whole year trying real hard. Some garden creatures encourage him, others think he's a bit away in the head: a rock can't reach for the sky and that's that. Tulip allows Little Rock to ride up on her leaves, but that's not like "real" growing, is it? The seasons change and Little Rock sinks into the mud where Wiggledy Worm keeps him company. Exhausted by all that trying to grow, he falls asleep ... and awakes to a startling surprise!
The characters in "I Can Grow!" are as charming as their creator, Mrs. Mouse. The story unfolds with delightful ease - the hallmark of excellent writing.
"Most kids' books deal with old themes in new (well, sometimes not so new) ways," said Christine Spindler, "but "I Can Grow!" struck a new chord. It's difficult to explain or pin down. It definitely is a marvellous book and I hope [...she will...] write many, many more! My daughter loved it, too. We're all growing a little bit every day now.
"There is a hidden "lesson" in the book: the importance of confidence. The constant repetition of "I Can Grow!" turns into a mantra for Little Rock - and also for the reader. I've made it a habit now to stretch my arms high above my head and say: "I can grow" when I wake up in the morning. There's no better way to start the day on a positive note and to be prepared for all sorts of personal growth that you can achieve in every waking hour."
The 62 illustrations are available as a free coloring book. Like the cover art, they are bright and optimistic and absolutely endearing.
~Reviewed by Christine Spindler, author of "Faces of Fear" (an inspector Terry novel),
and Reviewer for 'E-Books for Kids'.
(http://www.dreamwater.com/spindler/index.html)


Reviewed by Jennifer LB Leese, 'ASTORYWEAVER'S Book Reviews'
Stars: 5 out of 5
I CAN GROW! by Mrs. Mouse is a charming story about a little rock that is determined to grow and change into something spectacular just like the flowers, rain, leaves, worms, and grass around him.
As Rock watches the bulbs shoot up out of the ground and turn into beautiful flowers, tiny seeds turn into tall green grass, worms turn into beautiful butterflies, and rain turn into snow as the weather changes, he begins to feel alone in his little world.
He starts to wonder why hasn't he changed into something wonderful and different.
I CAN GROW! is for children, but anyone who enjoys dreams and life will love it too.
The adorable 62-page full color illustrations by Moonstar captured my attention instantly, and enhanced the delightful storyline.
My three small children, ages 4 to 10, loved it!
The author, known as Mrs. Mouse, is married to a military man, and is a mother. She enjoys feeding the birds and watching things grow on her little farm where she raises countless adopted cats and dogs, chickens, and a large garden.
I CAN GROW! is her first published book.
Follow Rock as he struggles to grow! Highly recommended by ASTORYWEAVER'S Book Reviews.
~Reviewed by Jennifer LB Leese, 'ASTORYWEAVER'S Book Reviews'
(http://www.geocities.com/ladyjiraff/aswbr.html)