A fanciful history lesson for middle graders, featuring a charming mouse named Celeste. Celeste is a mouse who is looking for a home. Is it nestled in the toe of a warm boot? In the shirt pocket of Celeste’s new friend Joseph? Or is home the place deep inside Celeste’s heart, where friendships live? Beautifully illustrated with hundreds of black-and-white drawings, A Nest for Celeste is a short novel that tells the story a mouse living in the 1800s and his friendship with John James Audubon’s young apprentice. While enjoying this sweet amd appealing story, young readers will also learn about nineteenth-century plantation life and the famous naturalist who was known for his paintings of birds and American wildlife. “With a twist of a pencil nub and a turn of a phrase, Henry Cole brings Audubon to life on the page; the story of tender Celeste will charm the naturalist and fantasist alike.” - Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked and Matchless “I have long been an admirer of Henry Cole’s contribution to children’s literature. With this first novel, he weaves a tale that, in addition to his delightful illustrations, has all the best ingredients―a sense of history, time-honored themes, and just the right amount of imagination.” - Julie Andrews, author of Mandy, The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, and Little Bo “A rare gift: a novel with artwork as whole and vital as a picture book’s.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “The softly shaded pencil drawings bring the story to life through Cole’s exceptional ability to imbue animals with personality.” - ALA Booklist “Evocative illustrations, compelling characters, and thoughtful reflections on the nature of home combine to powerful effect.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) Celeste is a mouse who is looking for a home. Is it nestled in the toe of a warm boot? In the shirt pocket of Celeste’s new friend Joseph, who is Audubon’s apprentice? Or is home the place deep inside Celeste’s heart, where friendships live? Henry Cole was a celebrated science teacher for many years before turning his talents to children’s books. He has worked on nearly one hundred and fifty books for children, including Unspoken , Big Bug , A Nest for Celeste , Jack’s Garden , and On Meadowview Street . Henry loves being outside, where he can sketch and write. His favorite sound is the first robin song of the spring. You can visit him online at www.henrycole.net.