Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist, Children's Picture Book Once upon, a time ago, there was a sweet brown mouse. She made her home within a zoo beneath the monkey house. As the zoo's resident storyteller, Mouse entertains her animal friends with tales from the outside world . African safaris, Alaskan sleigh rides, farmyard escapades and balmy beach tales. Even better, Mouse draws pictures to go with each story! Until one day Mouse's stories fall silent , and the animals must find a way to help fill her story drum . But what's a story drum you ask? Join Mouse in book one of the Monkey-House Mouse series to find out! And just maybe, learn how to fill your story drum too! "A heartwarming tale of friendship and mutual support for young animal-lovers. This sweet story about the power of friendship is Tatchell's fifth picture book and recalls such classic zoo-themed works as Philip C. Stead's A Sick Day for Amos McGee (2010). Perko's soft-edged full-color illustrations give characters big expressions and a clear sense of community, showing them climbing over each other or sitting together whenever possible. Tatchell's rhyming narration, continued in Mouse's storytelling, likewise builds a strong sense of unity." - Kirkus "Tatchell (author of the Endangered and Misunderstood Animals series) hits a sweet spot with lovable animals and imaginations gone wild, and Perko's watercolor illustrations are teeming with fun details for younger readers to discover. Mouse's hideaway is crammed full of art supplies, and her own paintings will delight, whether it's the barnyard scene with escaping cows or the underwear-wearing hippo standing up in waist-deep water. Overall, this is adorable." - Booklife Reviews