As a mom and a librarian I am constantly asked for book recommendations for all ages which can be hard because usually I like to know more of what the child finds interesting to find a good fit. In the case of the children’s picture book series, Maurice’s Valises, I can say that all children will benefit from the tales and wonderful illustrations that accompany this series on teaching children empathy, kindness and compassion to all. In these books it is all done with a small mouse named Maurice.
Maurice is no ordinary mouse and the lavishly illustrated volumes impart universal truths through the multicultural teachings of Aesop, Buddha, Christ, Confucius, Einstein, Mohammed, the Talmud, Thoreau, and others. Maurice of the Valise is a mouse chosen to travel the world and gather its many tales and lessons. Mementos of his adventures are packed into a valise, to be pulled out later for evenings of fireside storytelling.
In the Beginning (Maurice’s Valises: Book I)
The Micetro of Moscow (Maurice’s Valises: Book 2)
Journey with Maurice to Russia, where he befriends a lonely mouse who saves the day with his musical talent.
Casablanca (Maurice’s Valises: Book 3)
Join Maurice in Morocco, where he selflessly saves a fellow traveler and earns a valuable friend.
Medicine Mouse (Maurice’s Valises: Book 4)
Travel with Maurice to the American West, where he meets a Medicine Mouse who shares a lifetime of wisdom with him.
Kookoo Mountain (Maurice’s Valises: Book 5)
Travel with Maurice to the Alps, where Maurice meets a king who believes that the sky is falling.
A Christmas Tale (Maurice’s Valises: Book 6)
Author J.S. Friedman has created Maurice’s Valises, a children’s book and app series
to address these very important values we all hope to instill in our children. Maurice the traveling mouse opens up constructive dialogue
between parents/teachers and children
in a fun, creative and passionate way. Written aboard a houseboat in Amsterdam by Friedman, the series was recognized with a Gold Medal from the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards. The first volume, In the Beginning, was named ?Best Children’s Picture Book? by USA Book News.
The books and corresponding app are illustrated by Chris Beatrice, an award-winning children’s book artist and game designer. The app, ?Maurice’s Secret Sycamore Tree,? takes readers inside Maurice’s home in the base of a tree, where they can wander the beautiful rooms, play learning games, and practice charity by exchanging their game points for books given to children in need. This free, noncommercial, educational app was developed by Fancy Pants Global, one of Europe’s leading game creators. In addition, each book in the series will have its own app. Children can listen to an acclaimed narrator ? or a loved one ? reading the story, and they will also be able to interact with Chris Beatrice’s lush illustrations.
The best part is that children just seem to immediately connect with Maurice and they genuinely want to listen as he tells about his adventures. I like that kids can learn about different cultures around the world and all they have to do is enjoy the stories just like the characters in the book are sitting around and enjoying Maurice’s tales as well. My 6 year old likes to ask me questions as we are reading them and I find that the books give her a genuine feeling of wanting to learn more. There is just something magical about finding a great book series for kids and I can’t wait to see which tale Maurice tells next.
Connect: You can connect with Maurice’s Valises on Facebook and @MauricesValises on Twitter.
