Quiet as a Church Mouse is a story that comes straight from the childhood of author Stephen Bevan, who used to have trouble sitting reverently in church as a little boy. He wrote this book to help other youngsters like him use their imaginations to help them be more reverent. He thanks his dear mother for teaching him about the “church mouse.”
The book is a really cute idea. It is written very simply, with very few written words. Most of the story is told through the adorable and impressive illustrations.
I admit when I read the book to my children, I was left wanting more. There was no depth to the child’s realization of what the church mouse must actually be. The non-spiritual parts of the book were fine being simple and vague, but I felt opportunities were missed in the spiritual realizations.
My 12-year-old felt the same as I did, but my little boys (5 and 7), did enjoy the book and wanted me to read it again immediately after. I suppose their opinions matter a lot more than those of older people, considering the book was written for children around their ages.
So, though I felt the book was too simple, it was just right for my little boys. And that’s what matters.
About the Book: What does it mean to be quiet as a church mouse? This charming picture book shares the story of how one little boy learned to sit still while his imagination kept running free. With these fun and colorful illustrations, follow along as a boy and a mouse discover how reverence shows our love and respect for our Savior.
About the Author: Stephen Bevan imagined his church mouse at age 5. All those wild Sundays of imaginings are distilled in this book. He and his little church mouse lived in Montgomery County Maryland, until Heavenly Father took them both to Western Australia for many amazing adventures “down under.” Now those two trouble makers reside in beautiful Cache Valley, Utah. On Friday nights they are telling stories and hammock camping with the scouts but each Sunday morning they are both trying to sit reverently in church with Stephen’s own wonderful and imaginative children. Learn more about Stephen at www.bevanstories.com, while you are there see what other adventures he and his mouse have to share. Current Residence: Cache Valley, Utah