A cautionary tale for mice reminiscent of Carroll’s Jabberwocky!


Out in the open, in the clear,
Where any wisenmouse would fear,
Jam licks his paw, he grooms an ear,
And never hears approaching hisssss . . .

What will happen to the brave mouse Jam when he breaks the rules and goes for a moonlit adventure against the advice of the elder mice?

Award-winning illustrator Barry Moser has created a dark and vivid mouse world to complement this cautionary tale full of clever nonsense words and rhyming prose that will keep kids on the edge of their seats.

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Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2009:
"Undeniably arrayed in a gorgeous brocade, woven of fresh, inventive wordplay and masterful illustrations."

Starred Review, School Library Journal, August 2009:
"This wonderful book is a marvelous read-aloud that children will want to hear again and again."

Review, Booklist, July 1, 2009:
"This handsome book offers a terrific opportunity for a capable narrator to deliver a captivating read-aloud."

Syndicated Review, The New & Observer (Raleigh, NC), August 24, 2009:
"'Once Upon a Twice' is one of those amazing books that you and your kids will both love to read aloud for years."

Review, Newsday, October 4, 2009:
"Excellent for reading aloud, even to the youngest readers, who will just let the poetic words wash over them."

Review, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, October 4, 2009:
"A treat for the eye and the ear."

Review, Chicago Parent, November 2009:
"Fun to read aloud."

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Denise Doyen studied creative writing, poetry, and design at Stanford University. A writer at heart, she went back to school to concentrate on writing for children. Once Upon a Twice is her first book. She lives in Pacific Palisades, California.

Barry Moser is an acclaimed illustrator who has won numerous awards. His works can be found in special collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art, the British Museum, and the Library of Congress. He lives in Massachusetts.

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