Review: Catnip Mouse

Catnip Mouse

Author and illustrator: A.J. Smith

Kids Can Press, 2025

ISBN: 9781525313530 (jacketed hardcover)
9781525313592 (EPUB)

$21.99 CAD (jacketed hardcover)
$13.99 (EPUB)

40 pages

Ages: 4 to 8 years old
Recommended library audience: School library

This adorably-illustrated picture book features Vera, a cat who just wants to play with her catnip mouse, and Gipp, a dog who just wants to play with Vera, but accidentally destroys her catnip mouse. Gipp uses his magic wand and his imagination to come up with funny rhymes to cheer her up, but only manages to anger Vera, who breaks his wand in anger. Perfect for story time or instruction on social-emotional learning, this book would be the perfect addition to any school library. The story teaches children a lesson on respecting boundaries and how to play nicely with others, and can also serve as a tool to teach children how to deal with their emotions in a healthier way. Written in a comic-book style with panels and text bubbles, Catnip Mouse would also serve as a great introduction to graphic novels for early readers.