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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
The Mouse Who Couldn’t Eat Cheese is a touching children’s book by M.B. Mooney. It explores friendship and acceptance through the bond between Alex the Owl and Maya the Mouse. In a vibrant forest, Alex, an outgoing owl, welcomes her new mouse neighbors with cheese, believing all mice love it. However, Maya’s muted response and mysterious absences lead to misunderstandings. As the story progresses, readers discover Maya has Crohn’s disease, complicating her diet and energy. This revelation deepens the narrative, insightfully addressing chronic illness. Mooney tactfully educates young readers about its impacts. Illustrator Ekaterina Mironova brings this story to life with illustrations that capture the beauty of the forest and the emotions of the characters.
The narrative is beautifully paced, featuring joyful moments of play and quiet reflections by the creek, which help children understand the symptoms of Maya’s condition. The interactions between Alex and Maya are portrayed with sensitivity, emphasizing the significance of patience and the readiness to adjust one’s expectations in friendship. The illustrations complement the text, enhancing the book’s themes with vivid imagery that speaks directly to a young audience. The Mouse Who Couldn’t Eat Cheese is a story about the challenges of Crohn’s disease and a broader lesson on empathy and the importance of supporting friends, no matter the circumstances. It encourages young readers to recognize differences, making it a valuable addition to any child’s library. M.B. Mooney handles a complex topic with gentleness and straightforwardness that children can understand. The ending explains Crohn’s disease and provides a link for more information.
