Module 2: Mr. Maxwell's Mouse

Citation: 

Asch, F. (2004). Mr. Maxwell's Mouse. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press Ltd.

Summary: 

After the good news that he's been promoted to Vice Manager of Efficiency Control at Taylor, Bentweel, and Nipson, Mr. Maxwell--a very suave and professionally dressed cat--goes to his usual restaurant, The Paw and Claw. In honor of the special occasion he decides to break away from his usual entree of baked mouse and opted instead for a raw mouse. All the mice served in this restaurant have been trained to provide the highest level of service to their customers, and Mr. Maxwell's mouse is more than polite to his future slayer. However, this particular mouse has a little something up his sleeve. His polite chit chat and suggestions for the perfect wine to accompany him as a meal are only a ploy to escape the jaws of death.

Impressions: 

I absolutely adored this book, and enjoyed it from start to finish. It had a dark, but humorous quality that made me think Tim Burton should create a film about it. The illustrations, by Devin Asch, were both a little morbid, and laugh out loud hilarious at the same time. With the visual of a knife and fork poking into his plump little belly, you can't help but cheer for the cunning little mouse who manages to escape the restaurant that has raised him in a cupboard for the sole purpose of being a cat's meal. Although he gave Mr. Maxwell the slip (and a bloody tail to go with it), he still took time to write him a very considerate note apologizing for his actions that landed the cat in the hospital.

Usage in Library: 

This would be a good book to introduce a "brains versus brawn" theme to students. You could do have a story time followed by time for brain teasers and puzzles that challenge students minds. You might even be able to incorporate some Web 2.0 tools in which students get online to create their own crossword puzzles, word finds, and other brain power games.

Review: 

Promoted to Vice Manager of Efficiency Control at Taylor, Bentwell and Nipson, he celebrates by ordering raw mouse instead. The entrée arrives "stretched out on a single slice of rye toast as if sunning itself on a sandy beach" and proceeds to engage its prospective nemesis in conversation, a wily plan to escape its fate. Mr. Maxwell falls into the trap, is tricked into cutting into his own tail, and the mouse gets away, freeing the other mice awaiting consumption and creating mayhem in the restaurant as well. Recuperating in the hospital, Mr. Maxwell receives a note that reads, in part: "I'm sure you would have taken similar measures had you found yourself in my position … I bear you no ill will and can only imagine that you feel the same." Readers will relish the formal language as a tongue-in-cheek counterpoint to a very funny, if macabre, story. In keeping with the black humor, dark but lush illustrations, rendered in Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter, depict an Edwardian setting with the staid, elegant restaurant interior just begging to be thrown into chaos. White text against glossy black panels perfectly suits the mood, and atop his mustard brown toast the little white mouse glows with cleverness. A truly scrumptious treat.

Review Citation:

Orlando, M. (2004). Mr. Maxwell's mouse (Review). School Library Journal, 50(9), 154.