
Reach for this book when your child seems to have a sharper eye for reality than the adults around them, or when they feel frustrated by being 'the only sensible one' in the family. It is a masterclass in absurdist humor that validates a child's intuition while exploring the sometimes hilarious, sometimes harrowing gap between parent and child perceptions. Mina is a quiet mouse who loves to read and observe. Her father, a well-meaning but hopelessly oblivious dreamer, keeps bringing 'squirrels' into their home that are very clearly large, hungry cats. Through stunning, atmospheric artwork, the story follows Mina's mounting anxiety and her eventual need to take matters into her own hands when her father's misplaced trust puts them in danger. It is a perfect choice for teaching discernment and the importance of trusting one's own instincts.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with 'gaslighting' in a metaphorical, accidental sense. The father isn't malicious, but his denial of reality creates a genuine threat. The resolution is hopeful and humorous but acknowledges that sometimes adults are wrong.
A thoughtful, observant 6-year-old who often notices details others miss, or a child who enjoys dry, deadpan humor and slightly 'creepy' tension.
Read this cold to preserve the comedic timing. Note the shift in the cats' eyes near the end: it's a great moment to pause and ask what might happen next. A parent might choose this after realizing they haven't been truly listening to their child's concerns, or when a child says, 'But I told you that would happen!'
Younger children (4-5) will find the visual gag of the 'squirrel' vs. 'cat' hilarious. Older children (7-8) will resonate with the frustration of an adult who refuses to see the obvious.
Matthew Forsythe’s illustration style is incomparable: lush, jewel-toned gouache and colored pencil that makes the absurdist humor feel sophisticated and cinematic.
Mina is a bibliophilic mouse living in a hollowed-out tree with her father. Her father is a whimsical eccentric who frequently brings home 'surprises.' The conflict arises when he brings home a large, orange 'squirrel' that Mina immediately recognizes as a cat. As the father brings home more cats, Mina's anxiety grows. The tension culminates in a dinner scene where the cats' true nature is revealed, forcing a narrow escape and a shift in the family dynamic.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.