A cheeky tale follows a speedy mouse as he taunts a progression of hungry animals — with a wickedly funny final twist.
“I’m the fastest mouse in the world!” Jake claims. “I’m like the wind. I am faster than lightning!” But will speed alone keep boastful Jake from being caught by a cat, a fox, a wolf, or a bear? “Can’t catch me!” he shouts. Well, clever Old Tom Cat will just have to see about that. . . . Expressive and energetic illustrations pair with a fun cumulative text in a mischievous story that begs to be read aloud.
Knapman peppers his text with juicy action verbs in a text that begs to be read aloud. A valuable lesson on egotism, with more than one echo of "The Gingerbread Boy."
—Kirkus Reviews
While arrogant Jake isn’t the most likeable mouse in the world, readers who admire raw swagger will hope he escapes once more. He doesn’t, but Ciraolo’s sunny woodland paintings and Knapman’s engaging storyteller’s voice offer compensation.
—Publishers Weekly
Reminiscent of “The Gingerbread Man” or the Russian Kolobok folktales, a sprightly yarn with a moral about the danger of arrogance. Best shared one-on-one or in a small group setting.
—School Library Journal
