Review Detail

I'M NOT A MOUSE! is a cute picture book about nicknames. Olivia's mother always calls her mouse, and she doesn't like the way it makes her feel. In the book, this actually turns her into a mouse, which can lead to its own trouble. Finally, one day, she stops responding, and her mother tells her it is just the way she expresses her love. Then, Olivia notices that the other children have nicknames from their parents too- even Olivia's mother, who turns into a chicken!

What I loved: This is a cute and silly view on nicknames. Children may empathize with Olivia who doesn't like her nickname, and she notices others have their own unique names. The illustrations are delightful with full-page, bright color images that will appeal to children and their caregivers alike. Some of the scenes are quite funny, and children will laugh throughout the book.

What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the book does not have a clear conclusion, and it would have been nice to conclude the heart-to-heart with her mother with deciding that her mother would respect her wishes in not using the nickname or Olivia appreciating her own special nickname when compared to others or another conclusion.

Final verdict: Silly and delightful, I'M NOT A MOUSE! is a cute picture book about the ways our nicknames change us (literally!).