To explain more about this children's book:  as a child, I read constantly, and some of my favorite remembrances of "early reading" were books by authors such as Beatrix Potter ... anything about mice, or other sweet creatures.  I've always loved illustrating mice and birds, and as a 10-yr. old,  I had my very own two pet mice: "Minnie," and "Beatrice."

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Now, in my sixties, I have other mice (called "Fancy Mice"), and I think they are sweet and beautiful!  I've owned mice again for the past five years, and in the Summer of 2023, I had quite a surprise when one of my little mama mice had SEVENTEEN babies right here in my house (in her little aquarium habitat, of course!)  I kept the mama "Liza" and six of her babies -- three girls and three boys.  Several of the six sweet babies I kept lived beyond two years (which is elderly for mice!) One of the girls (named Alice) lived to the ripe old age of 2 years, 8 months, and 2 weeks, passing away on May 14, 2026.  I so enjoyed their antics, their sweet companionship, and their willingness to pose for my camera at any time.  I've used many of my photos of them in the illustrations for this book.  At right is my latest:  "The Garden Mice" -- which I painted the Summer of 2025.  (I'll share the poem I wrote to accompany it when I publish!  Sorry -- some things have to wait!)

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