Mouseling's Words written by Shutta Crum and illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In this charming picture book by Shutta Crum, Little Mouseling embarks on a delightful adventure beyond the nest, driven by a love for words. Inspired by the scraps Aunt Tilly brings from the Swashbuckler Restaurant, Mouseling ventures into a library filled with words and faces an unexpected challenge—a cat. Using clever tricks, Mouseling escapes the cat's grasp and discovers that reading aloud can forge a friendship. With whimsical illustrations by Ryan O’Rourke, this story celebrates the joy of reading and the magic of words, encouraging young readers to embrace their literary journeys. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is a great read aloud, emphasizing the rich language and playful phrases. Following the reading, activities such as word scavenger hunts can be organized, where students search for words in books around the library. Additionally, discussions can focus on the importance of friendship and sharing stories, encouraging students to read to one another or even to pets. This engaging story serves as an excellent springboard for promoting literacy and a love for libraries. Shutta Crum is a bi-peninsular author, spending half the year in Michigan and the other half in Florida. Her connection to Michigan is significant, as it not only serves as her home base but also influences her writing and storytelling. The diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan inspire her creativity and provide rich settings for her narratives. As a retired librarian, she has a deep appreciation for literature and education, which is reflected in her engaging children's books.