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Sam the library mouse returns in this third picture-book devoted to his adventures, this time meeting and befriending Sarah, another mouse who lives in the library, and who has a more active approach to exploring than Sam himself does. Although he enjoys the games of make believe that he and Sarah engage in, such as pretending to be ancient Egyptians, Sam's fear of heights at first prevents him from joining her in other expeditions. Fortunately, he is able to overcome his trepidation, and discover a world waiting to be explored...

Like its predecessors, Library Mouse and Library Mouse: A Friend's Tale, Library Mouse: A World to Explore pairs an engaging story with bright, colorful artwork. I thought it was an interesting choice, on author/illustrator Daniel Kirk's part, to contrast the exploration one can do through books and reading with that accomplished through play and "real" world activity, demonstrating in the end that both have their place. Recommended to fans of the eponymous Library Mouse and his many adventures, as well as to those looking for children's stories about overcoming one's fears, and getting out into the world to see what it has to offer. ( )

One night in the library, Sam meets fellow mouse Sarah. Sam learns that Sarah is quite the explorer. She loves to scurry to the tops of shelves and explore the darkest corners of the building. Sam never climbs far up—he’s too afraid! Together this duo shows that, with teamwork, anything is possible.

Summary: Library mouse is an adorable story about a young boy mouse who lives in a library. He loves to read and learn all about the world. He even writes his own stories. Until one day he meets another mouse that lives in the library. The difference between these two mice is that the new girl mouse is extremely outgoing and loves to do dangerous things. She keeps telling him not to be afraid and he tells her he's not. Eventually they realize they each have skills of their own and that when together they become the best adventure team around.

Uses: Some great uses would be to show that these mice are very different but are both great and they each need each other. Its great to show how we can encourage everyone around us. I also love that it shows more still and more movement oriented learning between the two characters.

Genre: Fantasy- This is fantasy because it is all about mice who live in a library and go on adventures. They speak, wear clothes and drive all making it a fantasy.

Media: Winsor and Newton gouache on watercolor paper

36 months - We love the adventures we've had through books and as O get older I look forward to discovering some of the places we've read about in real life. There are some reader complaints that the less adventurous mouse shouldn't have been pushed to do things he wasn't comfortable with but on the other hand sometimes a new friend is the perfect person to push us beyond our comfort zone and get us up that ladder at the playground, or encourage us to go down the slide. ( )