It is super cute to watch Mortimer mouse learn about the importance of baby Jesus and make room for him.

First sentence: In a big house lived a wee mouse named Mortimer. He dwelled in a dark hole under the stairs. Nobody ever noticed little Mortimer. And Mortimer liked it that way. But he didn't like his hole. "Too cold. Too cramped. Too creepy," squeaked Mortimer.

ETA: I've reread this one several times now. It is one I always find myself coming back to because it is a great example of how a picture book can include Christian themes without being too-much.

Premise/plot: Mortimer is in search of a new home, a better home. To his surprise, he finds such a home…easily. But it's a home filled with statues. There is even a statue of a baby of all things?! The baby is easily shoved OUT of the way. And Mortimer settles into a MOUSE-SIZE bed, happy at last. But will that happiness last? And why do the humans keep putting the statues back up day after day?!

My thoughts: When Mortimer encounters Jesus (Or "statue-baby-Jesus") for the first time, his response was quick: THERE'S NO ROOM FOR YOU HERE, OUT YOU GO. I think Mortimer's response is the natural human response to the actual Jesus. People may "have room" for baby Jesus a couple of days each December. Shoved in amongst other activities or festivities. But is there a place for Jesus in their actual lives, year round? Not just the baby Jesus, the harmless, inoffensive Jesus. But the born-to-die, Savior-Rescuer. (Jesus can't be squeezed into little corners, little pockets of our lives. He's the LORD of the universe. But I digress.)

Mortimer has a second encounter with Jesus. This time it's the Jesus of the Word. He overhears the family reading the Christmas story. He learns who Jesus is, he learns what Jesus came to do. This changes everything…for Mortimer. Jesus must come. He must go. They can't both sleep in the manger. And Mortimer surrenders what was never really "his" to Jesus. He also offers up a prayer.

The story has a happy ending because the family has been busy making a gingerbread house. Of course Mortimer thinks it's a direct answer to his prayers! ( )

An adorable little book! I love Mortimer the mouse. This would be a great book to read to little ones at Christmastime. ( )

I normally love Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman team up. I am a big fan of the Bear books, and while this is sweet and nice, I just didn’t care for it. Mostly because I’m not that religious. Mortimer the mouse is looking for a new house. He happens upon the manger where he kicks everyone out, until hearing the christmas where he makes a new home for the baby jesus. The story is nice. And I am sure lots love this book, I just didn’t. Sorry.
#Wintergames #teamreadnosereindeer +26 ( )

Very cute Christmas Book about a little mouse who moves into a nativity, moving everyone else out. Mortimer especially enjoys the nice soft bed with hay in it. Later, when he hears the family tell the Christmas Story Mortimer realizes that the baby in the comfy manger is Jesus, so he moves all the manger statues back in. Mortimer displays kindness, self-sacrifice, respect and faith. Those values make this a good imaginative read-aloud book for young children. ( )