Seven Blind Mice - by Ed Young

About the Book

Using bold, playful primary colors, Caldecott winner Ed Young creates seven blind mice that will steal the hearts of the very youngest readers. This is a warm and entertaining fable of seven tiny creatures who set out to discover the "Something" by the pond--but who each come back with a different answer. 1993 Caldecott Honor Book. Full color.

Book Synopsis

A CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK

"Brilliantly elegant in design and artwork, this perfect picture book retells an old fable, while subtly conveying the concepts of color, numbers, and days of the week."--School Library Journal

"It's a snake," says Green Mouse.
"It's a fan!" cries Orange Mouse.
"It's a spear," proclaims Yellow Mouse.

One by one, the six blind mice investigate the strange Something by the pond. And one by one, they come back with a different theory. It's only when the seventh mouse goes out--and explores the complete Something--that the mice see the whole truth.

A lesson in colors, numbers, the days of the week and most important, knowledge, this exquisitely illustrated book has stood the test of time and continues to entertain and teach. Based on a classic Indian tale, Ed Young's beautifully rendered version is a treasure to enjoy again and again.

Review Quotes

"Exquisitely crafted: a simple, gracefully honed text, an appealing story, and outstanding illustrations and design--all add up to a perfect book." --Kirkus Reviews, pointer review

"Immensely appealing."--The Horn Book, starred review

"In a stunning celebration of color Caldecott medalist Young (Lon Po Po) offers a vibrant variation on the fable of the blind men trying to identify an elephant." --Publishers Weekly

"Brilliantly elegant in design and artwork, this perfect picture book retells an old fable, while subtly conveying the concepts of color, numbers, and days of the week."--School Library Journal

About the Author

Caldecott medalist Ed Young was born in Tientsin, China, and brought up in Shanghai. He cites the philosophy of Chinese painting as an inspiration for much of his work. "A Chinese painting is often accompanied by words," he explains; "they are complementary. There are things that words do that pictures never can, and likewise, there are images that words can never describe."

Mr. Young has been illustrating children's books for more than twenty years and has won many awards. He received the 1990 Caldecott Medal for his book Lon Po Po, and his much-lauded collaboration with anthologist Nancy Larrick, Cats Are Cats, was named one of the Ten Best Illustrated Books of 1988 by The New York Times.

Mr. Young studied at the University of Illinois, the Art Center of Los Angeles, and Pratt Institute in New York City. He and his family live in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.

copyright 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.