Best Children's Mouse & Rodent Books of 2025

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond is a delightful children's book that tells the story of a mouse who asks for a cookie and then proceeds to make a series of requests. The circular tale is perfect for beginning readers and storytime, with its spare, rhythmic text. The book is part of the If You Give... series and has won several awards. The illustrations by Felicia Bond are hilarious and full of fun details. It's a great read-aloud book for children aged 4 to 8, and it teaches valuable lessons about cause and effect. Overall, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is a must-read for children and adults alike.

This interactive sound book, "I'm Ready to Read with Minnie," is a fantastic tool for early readers. Featuring beloved Disney characters such as Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and more, children can follow along with the story thanks to the ten sound buttons - one for each spread. The simple sentences and large type make it easy for beginning readers to match spoken and printed words, while the expressive narration enhances comprehension. Overall, this book is a great way to encourage young readers to develop their skills and a must-have for any Disney fan.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson is a delightful children's book that combines her trademark rhyming text with Axel Scheffler's charming illustrations. The story follows a clever mouse taking a stroll through the deep, dark woods, encountering a hungry fox, owl, and snake along the way. To avoid being eaten, the mouse invents a creature called the gruffalo, describing it as having terrible claws, tusks, and a poisonous wart. But what happens when the mouse comes face to face with the gruffalo? Young readers will love the humor in this preposterous story, making it a perfect gift for any special occasion.

Don't Touch that Flower! by Alice Hemming is the perfect spring book for children and toddlers. The story follows Squirrel and Bird as they encounter a flower that has just bloomed. Squirrel becomes too protective of the flower, but Bird shows Squirrel the right way to let flowers blossom and grow. The book is a classic read for ages 4 and up and is ideal for classrooms, homeschool curriculums, and more. It is a laugh-out-loud tale that also fosters respect for nature, making it a great educational tool. Nicola Slater's illustrations are also a highlight of the book, capturing the essence of spring and the natural world.

If You Give a Moose a Muffin is a hilarious children's book that follows a young boy and his unexpected guest, a moose, through a series of silly and entertaining events. The story is a sequel to the popular If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and it features the same circular tale and spare rhythmic text that make it perfect for beginning readers and story time. Laura Numeroff's deadpan style and Felicia Bond's cleverly detailed illustrations make this book a favorite among children. It's a must-have for any children's book collection, and it's sure to inspire giggles and requests for repeat readings.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo is a Newbery Medal-winning children's book about a brave mouse, a covetous rat, a serving girl, and a princess named Pea. It's a heartwarming story of unlikely heroes who embark on a journey that leads them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and ultimately into each other's lives. The author brilliantly weaves together themes of forgiveness, light, love, and soup, creating a tale that is as soul-stirring as it is delicious. With its charming characters and twists and turns, this expanded fairy tale is a must-read for children and adults alike.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary is a fun and imaginative adventure story perfect for independent or shared reading. The book follows a young mouse named Ralph and his exciting journey after he spots a shiny red toy motorcycle. With the help of a boy named Keith, Ralph gets to ride the motorcycle and faces many obstacles along the way. The book is part of a trilogy and features a foreword by New York Times bestselling author Kate DiCamillo. Cleary's hope to create appealing books for boys and girls is evident in this timeless classic that will capture the hearts of readers of all ages.

Amos & Boris is a heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship between a mouse and a whale. The two animals have nothing in common, but their compassion and willingness to help others bring them together. The book is beautifully illustrated with watercolors and the story is told in a simple yet profound way. It's no surprise that Amos & Boris has won several awards, including the New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year. William Steig's writing and illustrations make this a timeless classic that children and adults alike will enjoy.

The Napping House Board Book is a classic tale that follows a snoring granny, a dreaming child, a dozing dog, a snoozing cat, and a slumbering mouse all piled high in a cozy bed. However, the peace is disturbed by a wakeful flea that threatens to topple the entire pyramid of sleepers with just one bite. The story is humorous and inviting, encouraging young kids to read along and make predictions. The sturdy board book pages and rounded corners make it a great gift for little ones. Overall, it's a charming bedtime story that will entertain both children and adults alike.

The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear is a classic children's book about a little mouse who loves strawberries but has to find a way to keep the big hungry bear from eating them. This book is filled with humor, expressive illustrations, and a surprising ending that makes it a fun read-aloud. Written by Audrey Wood and illustrated by Don Wood, this book is a beloved addition to any child's library. HMH Books for Young Readers publishes this book as part of their collection of children's bear books. Overall, this book is a delightful and unique addition to any child's collection.