In Mouse & Bee, from Canadian author and illustrator Graeme Bennett, a mouse who has never been outside meets a bee who has never been inside and, after some hilarious misunderstandings about where cheese sticks come from, the two decide to go on a quest to find the elusive cheese trees.
It's an absurdist adventure like a cross between Monty Python and Winnie the Pooh for these two strangers who couldn't be less alike. Along the way, they learn about friendship, trust and kindness. And pigeons, too.
Young readers will share Mouse's delight in being able to fly atop a paper plate, while older readers will find amusement and perhaps some deeper meaning in the respective world views and funny philosophies of Mouse & Bee. With illustrations by the author.
Key themes
Key themes include friendship, kindness, bravery and cheese. Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Inclusive themes
Mouse and bee characters are never referred to via gendered pronouns.