The classic tale by award-winning author Marjorie Flack is back in print for the first time in decades!
Walter is a lazy mouse. He is so lazy that he always misses school and spends all his time in bed. He is so lazy that eventually his family forgets about him and moves away…without him. Alone and scared, Walter heads out into the world to search for his family. He travels through a dark forest and soon meets a turtle and some frogs. Walter decides to create a new home on Mouse Island. His froggy friends live nearby, and Walter tries to teach them things. With his own island―and friends who depend on him―Walter must learn to take care of himself. There is no time to be lazy! But will Walter ever see his family again? First published in 1937 and back in print for the first time in decades with Marjorie Flack’s own illustrations, this is a classic tale of adventure and friendship, and the importance of perseverance. An introduction from noted librarian Nancy Pearl is included.
Marjorie Flack was born in 1897. She was an award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books, with sixteen titles to her credit. Among her best-loved books were The Story about Ping, illustrated by Kurt Wiese (and made famous by the TV show Captain Kangaroo), and her series of five books about Angus, a lovable pooch, which she both wrote and illustrated. Her book The Boats on the River, illustrated by Jay Hyde Barnum, was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1947. Although Marjorie Flack died decades ago, in 1958, many of her titles remain in print today.
Nancy Pearl is a librarian and lifelong reader. She regularly comments on books on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition. Her books include 2003’s Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason, 2005’s More Book Lust: 1,000 New Reading Recommendations for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason; 2007’s Book Crush: For Kids and Teens; Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Interest; and 2010’s Book Lust To Go: Recommended Reading for Travelers, Vagabonds, and Dreamers. Among her many awards and honors are the 2011 Librarian of the Year Award from Library Journal, the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association, the 2010 Margaret E. Monroe Award from the Reference and Users Services Association of the American Library Association, and the 2004 Women’s National Book Association Award.