Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse

Alexander always seems to create a ruckus. The family he lives with screams when they see him and chase him with a broom. One day, he meets another mouse, Willie, who looks just like him, small and gray. Except this mouse has two wheels, instead of legs, and a key in his back. The fact that this mouse is the little girl Annie's favorite toy makes Alexander very sad: "They don't care much for me," he tells Willie. Although Alexander is jealous that the family loves Willie and not him, Alexander comes to love Willie, too. Since Willie can only move when wound, Alexander visits frequently, and tells him of his treacherous adventures, which include brooms and mousetraps. The two enjoy each other's company immensely, but when Alexander is alone in his hole, he wishes he were loved and cuddled by the family, as well. Alexander longs to be like Willie. One day, Willie tells Alexander of a magic lizard who has the power to change one animal into another. But will this lizard actually help Willie when he needs it the most? Internationally acclaimed as an artist, designer, and creator of books for children, author Leo Lionni tells a heart-warming tale of longing and friendship, brilliantly enhanced by his own imaginative collage illustrations. Awarded with a Caldecott honor, this and other children's titles by Leo Lionni are noted for being both playful and dealing responsibly with serious themes. Visually and narratively, this is sure to be a favorite read-aloud. Praise for Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse: "Eye-catching, boldly colored collages illustrate this classic "grass is always greener" story in which a live mouse is envious of his mechanical counterpart." - Booklist.