Max, Nat, Bud, Al, Mose, Herm, Lem, Tov, Gabe, and Saul are the only ones who come regularly to the once-vibrant synagogue, until the mouse arrives. The men decide to adopt it. When the mouse has babies, it’s a cause for celebration (“Our mouse is a her . . . and a mother to boot!”). But as the babies grow there are simply too many feet underfoot. They transport the four-footed family to a lovely spot in the country, but their daily trips to the synagogue are now a little wistful. Then the mouse returns with the cold winds of autumn. “ 'Don’t tell me . . . your children grew up and moved away. An old story, ’ ” Herm tells her. “ 'Don’t worry, ’ Saul adds. 'You’ll hear from your kids again . . . when they need something.’ 'Welcome home mouse,’ ” they all chorus. Distinctive personalities, including the mouse’s, and a sweetly funny premise distinguish Cary Fagan’s story, keenly illustrated by Gary Clement with a perfect balance of realism and humor. (Ages 6–9)

Ten Old Men and a Mouse is a charming story about the unlikely friendship that develops between ten old men whose lives revolve around their daily prayer sessions, the care of an old synagogue, and a mouse that decides to take up residency there. The humor in the whimsical illustrations that ac company the text will put a smile on readers’ and listeners’ faces regardless of age. The author has won the Sydney Taylor Honor Book Award, a Mr. Christie Silver Medal, and a Silver Birch Honor Book Award. The illustrator has won the Governor General’s Award for Illustration (Canada). ak

The synagogue was once a busy, bustling place, but now only ten old men come to tend it and pray each day. Then one day, a little scritch-scratch betrays the first new member in years: a tiny mouse who has taken up residence among the holy books. Of course, a trap must be set, but who will do it? Al volunteers, but in the morning the mouse is still there, and is just a little more appealing than he was before.

Day after day, the men become more engaged, until the mouse has a bed, pictures on the wall, and a little carpet, not to mention all the treats the men bring. Then comes the biggest surprise of all. He is a she, giving the ten old men reason to celebrate with peach schnapps — and to plan a trip to the country where they find the perfect place to release their numerous charges. Back at the synagogue, fall turns to winter. The ten old men miss their mice until a little scritch-scratch….

Full of gentle humor and witty truisms, Cary Fagan’s Ten Old Men and a Mouse will delight both the young and old. Illustrations by Gary Clement heighten the fun.