A Mouse's Life

Have you ever wondered how some of nature’s smallest creatures spend their days? Here’s your chance to take a scientifically accurate peek into the life of the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopsus). Striking illustrations and lively storyline capture the real life changes for this small animal as it hunts for food, faces its enemies, and interacts with humans.

The white-footed mouse is common throughout most of the United States and Canada. It usually sleeps during the day and spends the night searching for food. Seeds and nuts are this mouse’s favorite food, but it also eats insects, fruit, and mushrooms. Of course, a piece of cheese left out is always welcome.

The white-footed mouse is active all year long. It builds a nest of twigs, leaves, and grass in tree holes, abandoned bird houses, and wood piles. It may even make a nest in your attic or basement.

Owls and cats are the biggest enemies of the white-footed mouse. When a mouse senses danger, it drums its feet to warn other mice. The mice run and hide until the danger has passed.

White-footed mice live for about 2 to 3 years in the wild. They may give birth as many as four times a year. Each litter has two to six babies. That’s a lot of mice!

Author Biography

John Himmelman has written and/or illustrated over 85 books for children, including five other books in the Nature Upclose series. His books have received a wide variety of awards and honors. He is also a naturalist who enjoys flipping dead logs, crawling through weeds, and gazing at the sky. His greatest joy is sharing these experiences with others. His yard has been shared with many generations of white-footed mice, with no doubt many more to come. John lives in Connecticut with his wife Betsy, who is a potter. His son Jeff is an artist, and daughter Lizzie is a photographer. John Himmelman has written and/or illustrated over 85 books for children, including five other books in the Nature Upclose series. His books have received a wide variety of awards and honors. He is also a naturalist who enjoys flipping dead logs, crawling through weeds, and gazing at the sky. His greatest joy is sharing these experiences with others. His yard has been shared with many generations of white-footed mice, with no doubt many more to come. John lives in Connecticut with his wife Betsy, who is a potter. His son Jeff is an artist, and daughter Lizzie is a photographer.