'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday 25 February 2016

Review: The Mice and the Shoemaker

Although this review comes a little late for Christmas for which it was intended, the beauty of this incredible book justifies an appearance at any time of the year. Highly talented West Australian artist and illustrator Gabriel Evans has reinterpreted the tale of the Elves and the Shoemaker. His delightful series about the Woodland Whiskers family of mice now extends to this offering.

The Woodland Whiskers’ home is flooded several weeks before Christmas. They have nowhere to go until the place dries out, except Grandpa Squeak’s house under the floor boards of a cobbler’s dwelling.

But Grandpa Squeak and his wife are now old. The shoes they make are no longer of the fine quality they used to be therefore very few people purchase them. The elderly couple are hardly making ends meet.

The family wants to repay Grandpa Squeak and his wife for their kindness by giving them what they need the most.

An absolute gem of a book, its fold-out and pop-up images will delight every reader regardless of age. The exquisite detailed art work is a collector’s treasure. This production, and I use the word purposely to define what has been created here, is a visual feast.

Gabriel Evans has illustrated over fifteen books. His illustrations can be found in Annie’s Snails by Dianne Wolfer and Sally Murphy’s, Roses are Blue.

Yes, The Mice and the Shoemaker is another book that will take up permanent residence on my shelf. (Sigh plus smile)

Title: The Mice and the Shoemaker
Author: Gabriel Evans
Publisher: Five Mile Press, $29.95 RRP
Publication Date: September 2015
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760064273
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book