Little Mouse (Mala miška) is a beautiful picture book that actually holds two stories and a little song complete with music notation. She is mischievous, curious, sweet and gentle – exploring her world, happily learning new things, enjoying time with friends and good music, and above all observing the marvellous world that surrounds her.
The first story, “Little Mouse Would Like to Dance”, follows her to a brilliant woodland dance party where she learns new steps from her forest friends. Where exactly did it take place – and whom did she meet there?
In the second tale she sets off across the meadow to find out what kind of creature a snail really is. Along the way she meets different meadow animals and plants. Will she find the snail?
And the little song she hums while sunning herself at the forest’s edge is all about a spider and a fly. What do you think they were up to?
Mala miška was written by Anija Kokot, a wonderful early‑years teacher from Polzela who knows exactly how to draw children into reading and masterfully turn and weave words. It was a joy and a challenge to collaborate with her. The story gripped me immediately, though I was nervous – I hadn’t yet illustrated a book featuring only animals. That made the challenge even more interesting and special. In the illustrations I indulged in colour choices: fresh, unexpected for a picture book, yet still soft and soothing for a child’s soul. Anija and I clicked beautifully and I think it really shows in the final book – personally one of my favourites to come from my hands.
