• Age: 5 to 9
• Grade: k to 4

Mr. Maxwell is one contented cat. He has just been promoted. And what better way to celebrate than by going to his favorite restaurant, the Paw and Claw?

He decides to live a little and order the house specialty --- a live mouse. When the headwaiter asks if they should kill the mouse, Mr. Maxwell says that isn't necessary. He knows the Paw and Claw's mice are bred for politeness!

But this particular live mouse can't keep quiet --- would Mr. Maxwell like to add a little salt? Or order a glass of wine? Would he mind saying a little prayer before eating? My, what a bold and wordy mouse! Mr. Maxwell hopes the mouse doesn't give him indigestion ...

Richly illustrated and full of surprises. Mr. Maxwell's Mouse is a David-and-Goliath story with claws, whiskers and tails.

Frank Asch is the author and illustrator of more than 70 books for children. His picture books with Kids Can Press include Ziggy Piggy and the Three Little Pigs and Mr. Maxwell's Mouse (illustrated by his son, Devin Asch). Frank lives in Middletown Springs, Vermont.

Frank Asch's profile page

Devin Asch is an illustrator and photojournalist. He divides his time between LA and Hawaii.

Devin Asch's profile page

• Short-listed, Young Reader Medal, California Library Association
• Short-listed, Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, Maryland Educational Media
• Commended, Children's Book Illustration Award, 3x3 Magazine
• Short-listed, Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award
• Short-listed, Childrens' Choices, International Reading Association
• Runner-up, Read Aloud Book Award
• Winner, Book of the Year Award - Gold Medal, ForeWord Magazine
• Winner, Best Books of 2004 , School Library Journal

Readers will relish the formal language as a tongue-in-cheek counterpoint to a very funny, if macabre, story. ... A truly scrumptious treat.

School Library Journal, Starred Review

This father/son team has concocted a delicious cat-and-mouse tale in which small outsmarts large. Visually stunning, the period setting, captivating illustrations, and tongue-in-cheek dialogue create a delectable tail, er, tale of one-upmousemanship to be savored.

Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Father-son team Frank and Devin Asch here team up for a cat-and-mouse tale that showcases the younger Asch's lush digital artistic talents, alongside the elder's witty text.

Publishers Weekly

The story, rarefied and arch, revels in its elegant surroundings.

New York Times