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 · 3,255 ratings  · 527 reviews

Commencement your review of A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Fine art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Habitation

Mar 22, 2020 MissBecka Gee rated it it was astonishing  · review of another edition

Recommended to MissBecka by: Rachel

I loved this book!
I always think it'due south clever to have a truthful story of humans told through an adorable animal's POV.
In this instance it is a cutie patootie mouse named Celeste.
This was exciting, sad, funny, adorable and highly interesting!
The soft lines of the black & gray illustrations only added to the whimsy of Celeste's story.
There were a couple scenes of graphic violence and/or death, so exist certain to read this before handing information technology off to any tiny humans.
I loved this book!
I always think it's clever to have a true story of humans told through an adorable animal's POV.
In this case it is a cutie patootie mouse named Celeste.
This was exciting, sad, funny, adorable and highly interesting!
The soft lines of the blackness & grey illustrations only added to the whimsy of Celeste's story.
In that location were a couple scenes of graphic violence and/or expiry, and so be sure to read this before handing it off to whatsoever tiny humans.
...more

Apr 01, 2010 Pamela rated information technology liked it

It took me a while to figure out what bothered me near "Celeste," and I call up it has to do with anthropomorphism. On 1 stop of the anthropomorphism scale is the toad-in-a-waistcoat. In toad-in-a-waistcoat the animal is only a stand-in for a human grapheme; references to real creature beliefs, such every bit lily pad homes or cricket lunches, are thrown in for cuteness'southward sake. The other end of the anthropomorphic calibration is the equivalent of someone at the zoo pounding on a snake'due south display example. It'southward It took me a while to effigy out what bothered me almost "Celeste," and I think it has to do with anthropomorphism. On one end of the anthropomorphism scale is the toad-in-a-waistcoat. In toad-in-a-waistcoat the animal is simply a stand-in for a human grapheme; references to real animal behavior, such every bit lily pad homes or cricket lunches, are thrown in for cuteness's sake. The other stop of the anthropomorphic calibration is the equivalent of someone at the zoo pounding on a snake'south display example. It'south a want for a meaningful connection to another species. That sort of anthropomorphic writing ways closing our eyes, pressing our face against the glass, and trying to pretend the bulwark doesn't exist. Cole might've shown Audubon and his young helper through the eyes of a very mouse-similar mouse exhibiting very mouse-like behavior; that mouse might've wondered in a homo-similar way about the bizarre nature of Audubon'south killing of birds to pigment them instead of eating them. Cole does requite Celeste mousy concerns with dining room crumbs and patrolling cats, but when a mouse weaves baskets, sets upward domicile in a doll house, and learns lessons similar "ane friend may go out but some other friend arrives" that'due south toad-in-a-waistcoat anthropomorphism. Of course, a mouse viewing the globe with a man-level consciousness is no less fantastic than a basket-weaving mouse, but the fantasy would feel less jarring. And I call up the reason it would feel less jarring is considering Audubon's killing and pinning and painting has a neat bargain in common with anthropomorphic writing of the pretend-in that location-is-no-barrier kind. You might not entirely approve of Audubon'due south approach simply both are rooted in the aforementioned common desire for communion with the beasts. ...more

I have wondered for a long time about the relationship between mice and children's books. Few people like the little critters in existent life, unless as fodder for science experiments, however mice are the heroes of more than children's books than you can shake a piece of cheese at. I wouldn't be surprised if someone has written a graduate thesis on this topic.

In A Nest for Celeste, Celeste joins a pantheon of unforgettable mice heroes and heroines in both children's novels and picture books. Anyone who lo

I have wondered for a long time about the relationship between mice and children'due south books. Few people like the little critters in real life, unless as fodder for science experiments, withal mice are the heroes of more children's books than you can shake a slice of cheese at. I wouldn't be surprised if someone has written a graduate thesis on this topic.

In A Nest for Celeste, Celeste joins a pantheon of unforgettable mice heroes and heroines in both children's novels and picture books. Anyone who loves children'southward books knows Henry Cole as an immensely talented and versatile illustrator. Equally he says on his website, "From wombats and weasels to feathers and felines, Henry Cole has been decorated equally a beaver illustrating books for all ages." In fact, he has illustrated seventy books in his career, including another heroic mouse tale, Livingstone Mouse, penned by Pamela Duncan Edwards. Several of his picture books were written as well equally illustrated by Cole, but A Nest for Celeste is his first foray into writing and illustrating a chapter volume.

This is no ordinary chapter book, however. The delicately shaded black-and-white pencil illustrations are integral to the story, in much the same way as the illustrations in Brian Selznick's The Invention of Hugo Cabret advance the plot of that novel. Cole uses many different visual perspectives, oft letting us into the scene from the perspective of the tiny mouse. In other words, don't get this one on audiobook! Our small-scale heroine, Celeste, lives on a plantation nigh New Orleans. She is, not surprisingly, no ordinary mouse. Among other talents are her power to weave baskets out of the native grasses of Louisiana, which she uses to get together food left underneath the dining room table of the family that lives in the plantation house. It'due south 1821, and the business firm has some special visitors: James Audubon and his immature apprentice, Joseph, who are drawing and painting the local birds and wild fauna. Celeste is lonely until she makes the acquaintance of the friendly Joseph, who likes to deport around Celeste in his shirt pocket, affectionately dubs her "Niggling Ane" and feeds her peanuts.

Celeste's bravery is tested many times in this volume, not only by the housecat, always set to attack, or the rats who bully her into giving them her nutrient, or a terrible thunderstorm. Nowhere is actually safe for the little creature, and she is forced to relocate her nest several times in the grade of the story, finally making her home in a dollhouse filled with mouse-sized piece of furniture that she finds in the attic.

Merely before she knows it, it'southward time for her new friend Joseph to leave. Celeste is a very philosophical mouse. Cole writes:

"She pondered: Was it worth the feelings of sadness and melancholy to brand a friend and so lose him? Would she rather not have the heartache of losing a friend and not have the retention of friendship? No, she decided, no."

But as nosotros learn from the title, this is non just a story about friendship and the meaning of home; Cole also teaches u.s.a. about art and inspiration by his exploration of how Audubon created his famous artwork. Modern readers will undoubtedly be shocked by his techniques: nigh all the birds he painted were shot and killed first, so posed using wire to recreate a lifelike pose. While some children may be disturbed past this, I appreciate that Cole chose to portray Audubon'southward work in an historically accurate mode. The author also provides a useful afterword with additional facts about Audubon, his assistant, and the time they spent on the Oakley Plantation in 1821. He also includes a re-create of Audubon's painting of an osprey or ocean hawk, a bird who figures in the story as a friend of Celeste (a rather unusual friend for a mouse, perhaps!)

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In the fashion of Hugo Cabret, this book features big pencil drawings that complement the text. The drawings are actually wonderful in their particular and, I think, the most enjoyable part of the volume. I also liked the little mouse Celeste herself. Though she never actually came alive on the page, what we saw of her was lovable, and her journeying to detect a home and a friend is compelling.

Ok, now I'm done existence nice. I take to say, right off the bat I was not a fan of the second half of the championship. It's a

In the mode of Hugo Cabret, this book features large pencil drawings that complement the text. The drawings are actually wonderful in their detail and, I think, the most enjoyable part of the volume. I likewise liked the footling mouse Celeste herself. Though she never actually came alive on the page, what we saw of her was lovable, and her journeying to find a abode and a friend is compelling.

Ok, now I'm done existence nice. I accept to say, right off the bat I was not a fan of the second half of the championship. It's a piddling tacky to hit readers over the head with the themes of the book right up front end. There are some practiced post-colon descriptions in the history of titles that sing (e.g. The Tale of Despereaux) only they have some playfulness going on. Henry Cole'due south pick of title addendum is both insulting, and fifty-fifty worse, false advertising. This little book does not live up to its subtitle.

Furthermore, it's strange for a volume that is mostly nearly ambrosial animals to have such a gruesome side to it. Obviously, John James Audobon killed, and in some cases practically tortured, his feathered subjects. Ugh. I don't know who to give this book to. It would exist upsetting to the little kids who would love its cuteness. Kids old plenty to handle the dark stuff might be turned off the preciousness of it.

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January 09, 2011 Robert rated it it was amazing

Henry Cole's, A Nest for Celeste, is one of those rare finds amongst childrens books that has the potential to reach readers of all levels and ages. This is a wonderful story about the ability of friendship, the sense of purpose and the need to have and detect a place chosen 'home.' Cole weaves art, history, and science into a story that is hard to put down and a pleasure to read. His illustrations are reminiscent of Garth Williams and David Selznick and become beyond his rich text. This is a volume that is Henry Cole'due south, A Nest for Celeste, is i of those rare finds among childrens books that has the potential to accomplish readers of all levels and ages. This is a wonderful story most the ability of friendship, the sense of purpose and the demand to accept and detect a place called 'home.' Cole weaves art, history, and science into a story that is hard to put down and a pleasure to read. His illustrations are reminiscent of Garth Williams and David Selznick and go beyond his rich text. This is a book that is both Caldecott and Newbery worthy and is destined to find information technology's identify on the book shelf adjacent to Stuart Little and Charlotte's Spider web. ...more

Aug 08, 2011 Josiah rated information technology liked it

This is my offset experience with the work of author/illustrator Henry Cole. A Nest for Celeste was actually on my list of 2010 books that I might have or might not have gotten effectually to eventually, depending on how things went, but I'grand very happy that I chose to read it. Whether judging by the story itself or the awesome pencil art that liberally decorates the novel within and out, this volume is a wonderful experience for readers of any age. It'southward a simple story that perfectly reflects the old-fas This is my first experience with the work of author/illustrator Henry Cole. A Nest for Celeste was actually on my list of 2010 books that I might accept or might non accept gotten effectually to eventually, depending on how things went, but I'm very happy that I chose to read it. Whether judging by the story itself or the awesome pencil fine art that liberally decorates the novel inside and out, this volume is a wonderful feel for readers of any age. It's a uncomplicated story that perfectly reflects the erstwhile-fashioned spirit of the time in which it is fix, but offers so much more than than just simplicity and an interesting narrative to grab one's fancy for a few hours. information technology'southward ane of those rare books that I believe has the potential to become a true classic, and could one day consistently be a standard reason backside real children learning to love literature.

While a small piece of the autobiography of American painter John James Audubon factors into this story, that's really more an interesting bit of peripheral action for those interested in the book's gimmicky historical figures and setting. The important grapheme for us to know about in regard to the plot is Celeste, a mouse who lives alone in a big house in the country. The 3rd decade of the 1800s has merely begun, but Celeste is less concerned with the state of the wedlock than she is with scrounging around to come up upwardly with her daily ration of food. This task is made no easier by two pushy rats who make their living by forcing Celeste to take all the risks and cater to their demands for food. She has to outwit the house cat to become enough food for iii, and there'due south sure to exist a day when her luck in staying one step alee of the predator runs out, simply Celeste doesn't have a whole lot of selection in the affair. The rats are bigger than she is and quite hateful, and won't be satisfied with much less than a daily smorgasbord.

Celeste's luck changes when the distinguished Mr. Audubon comes to stay at the business firm, bringing with him his teenage apprentice, Joseph Stonemason. Joseph discovers Celeste curled up in i of his boots, where she has built her new nest, but his reaction to the presence of a mouse hidden in his shoe is i merely of gentleness. Celeste can't speak to him and he can't talk to her, just equally the frightened little mouse begins to realize that the big creature who has caught her intends to bring her no harm, a wordless friendship gradually grows upwards betwixt the two.

Well, I'm non going to spoil whatsoever of what comes adjacent by entering into an in-depth clarification of it. Henry Cole does a much better job than I possibly could of relating this wonderful, gamble-filled story, in the tradition of old favorites like William Steig'south Dominic and Robert Lawson'due south Rabbit Hill. A Nest for Celeste is exactly the kind of story that my third-grade teacher used to read to our class, a basically innocent withal unpredictable and emotional book that could easily instill the love of reading in 30 kids at the aforementioned time, all sitting enraptured on the carpet to listen to what's going to happen next. Henry Cole's writing in A Nest for Celeste soars with lovely images and warm, sincere sentiment, and the story'south occasional moments of quiet reflection are deeply felt and make the narrative all the more than endearing. I love this book, simply equally much as I would take at hearing it told when I was in third grade, listening to my teacher through her telling of the story bring information technology to vivid life the way that nosotros as private students were simply starting to learn how to do. A book like that... well, it's absolutely timeless, which is why I say that A Nest for Celeste has a shot at condign a 18-carat classic.

I would definitely exist remiss if I didn't make room for a special mention of the illustrations in this book. Henry Cole enlivens the manifestly text by his pencil drawings at a level of mannerly sophistication that could but be compared to the bright work of Brian Selznick. Henry Cole touches nigh of this book'south pages with his original and evocative artwork to some extent, so that at times it feels almost as if one is reading a moving picture volume. As a result, three hundred forty-ii pages goes by in a snap, and the unabridged reading experience is fabricated all the more than delightful by the continual presence of the cute drawings. More than anything else, I would say information technology is the illustrations that make A Nest for Celeste totally unforgettable.

I could sing the praises of almost any element of this volume. The characters are surprising, engaging, fun and always humorous. The plot is homey and accessible to anybody, yet doesn't lack for depth of purpose or meaning. The adventures that befall Celeste are exciting and at times perhaps fifty-fifty slightly suspenseful,and always connect smoothly back to the main trunk of the narrative and the novel'due south bigger themes. Any way 1 looks at the finished production, it adds up to an impressive volume which acts best equally its own commendation, far better than anything that I could say nigh information technology. I really loved reading A Nest for Celeste, and I wouldn't hesitate a moment to read annihilation else that Henry Cole has written. A volume this nice doesn't come along without a slap-up effort on behalf of the author, and I hope that others will relish the the superb result of Henry Cole's attempt in the cosmos of A Nest for Celeste as much as did I.

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I took the fourth dimension to read through several others' reviews of this volume earlier writing one of my ain. Many really liked the volume and just as many actually didn't, which is interesting all by itself. I also gained a topic from one review for a main'due south thesis if I e'er need to write one: Mice in Children's Literature.
I'chiliad a fan of mouse books as I've said in previous reviews. They can portray the tiny unknown observer of our lives then perfectly, complete with large ears and fuzzy niggling bodies. How endea I took the fourth dimension to read through several others' reviews of this volume before writing one of my own. Many really liked the book and just as many really didn't, which is interesting all by itself. I also gained a topic from one review for a master's thesis if I always demand to write one: Mice in Children'due south Literature.
I'm a fan of mouse books equally I've said in previous reviews. They tin portray the tiny unknown observer of our lives and so perfectly, consummate with big ears and fuzzy little bodies. How endearing. Except endearing things take a built-in expiration date that changes as our culture changes. Recently, it has avant-garde. I'd guess that mouse stories currently expire effectually second grade and don't come alive for reader's again until higher (if they are lucky similar I was, to take a Children's Literature course at that time to reissue permission to visit the children's department of the library!) or parenthood. I would put down coin on a bet that a fourth grade male child is not going to impact a book with a charming and cozy mouse on the embrace, yet that is the age some reviewers take suggested this volume for! No uncertainty this age recommendation is due to the slightly unexpected level of violence that blasts onto the scene in what appears to exist a MOUSE volume!
My question is: Who is this book for? Information technology seems entirely as well graphic for those who will option it upwardly, but besides entirely likewise "cutesy" or "babyish" for those who would exist prepared to read about "putrefying carcasses" and main characters getting shot in the Head! Who is the intended audience here? ...more

Jun 21, 2011 Charlyn rated it really liked it

In 1939, Robert Lawson set a pocket-sized mouse in Benjamin Franklin'southward chapeau to narrate a historical tale. Henry Cole now sets a pocket-size mouse named Celeste in the hat of young Joseph Bricklayer, the amateur of John James Audubon's assistant, while the two stay on a Louisiana plantation to paint the birds and foliage. The story, however, isn't Audubon's story or even the story of Joseph, withal a young teenager away from dwelling house for the first time. This is the story of Celeste, a talented young handbasket-weaving mo In 1939, Robert Lawson set a small mouse in Benjamin Franklin's hat to narrate a historical tale. Henry Cole now sets a pocket-sized mouse named Celeste in the hat of young Joseph Bricklayer, the apprentice of John James Audubon's banana, while the two stay on a Louisiana plantation to paint the birds and leafage. The story, however, isn't Audubon'due south story or even the story of Joseph, yet a young teenager away from dwelling house for the first fourth dimension. This is the story of Celeste, a talented young basket-weaving mouse who is searching for a identify to call habitation, all the time aware that the household cat is waiting for her to slip upwards and slip into his paws. The reader will learn something about the ways in which Audubon captured the images of those beautiful birds he painted--and that'southward not a pretty story. And Cole has woven into the story many of the birds, some now extinct, that once lived in that role of the country.

Merely information technology is Celeste'south story and the wonderful illustrations that are especially apt for a volume "about art, inspiration, and the pregnant of dwelling" that the reader volition enjoy. At the volume'due south beginning, I at first believed it was going to be like Selznick'due south Hugo Cabret and the illustrations would tell part of the story, but they quickly became a cute backdrop to Cole'due south tale of the adventures of Celeste and those who shared her life. Birthday a precious package.

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Aug 26, 2021 Kathryn rated information technology really liked information technology

Beautifully written and illustrated story full of adventure along with thoughtfulness and middle. The descriptions of nature are wonderful and I felt that I was right there with Celeste in her adventures. However, don't permit the adorable cover fool you lot -- it has heaps of animal peril and malaise, and so if you have sensitive young readers, especially if they are sensitive to animals in peril, suffering or dying, I suggest previewing. I'll share some details hither: A few animals are killed (one past a cat, Beautifully written and illustrated story total of adventure along with thoughtfulness and heart. The descriptions of nature are wonderful and I felt that I was right there with Celeste in her adventures. However, don't allow the ambrosial cover fool y'all -- it has heaps of fauna peril and angst, so if you have sensitive young readers, peculiarly if they are sensitive to animals in peril, suffering or dying, I suggest previewing. I'll share some details here: A few animals are killed (i past a cat, others by Audubon himself as he used dead birds every bit models for his art) and another meets an unfortunate finish (two of these deaths are for Celeste's "enemies" simply information technology'due south still a bit much for some immature readers to hear about expiry squeaks and the like). There's a cursory backstory where Celeste talks about her family being killed, and anther function where one of the humans is accidentally shot (fortunately, not fatally) while the men are out hunting. Speaking of which, in that location's also a role where lots of pigeons wing overhead and the men chase them for days -- lots of dead birds falling from the sky! ...more

Mar 08, 2010 Kathryn rated it it was astonishing

This is my first Henry Cole volume and was it ever a delight. It's based on the 4 calendar month visit of John James Audubon and his thirteen yr old assistant Joseph's visit at Oakley Plantation almost New Orleans. The story revolves around the sweetest little mouse, Celeste (I just dearest her name) and her getting to know Joseph as well as her encounters with the dwelling'south cat. She meets some enchanting birds with great personalities and learns the meaning of friendship. Henry Cole's website is such fun, henrycol This is my first Henry Cole volume and was information technology ever a please. It's based on the four month visit of John James Audubon and his 13 year old assistant Joseph's visit at Oakley Plantation about New Orleans. The story revolves effectually the sweetest little mouse, Celeste (I just beloved her name) and her getting to know Joseph likewise as her encounters with the home'due south cat. She meets some enchanting birds with great personalities and learns the meaning of friendship. Henry Cole's website is such fun, henrycole.net. His art/illustrations are such fun for the eye, they add together a touch of whimsy and glee to my twenty-four hour period! ...more

RATING: 4 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)

For a person who gives the death glare to mice in real life, I love stories about mice! Beginning of all, I loved the pencil sketches in this volume. I went through the book just admiring those at first. A Nest for Celeste is a historical fiction novel with real life characters of John James Audubon and his assistant, Joseph. I enjoyed the story and loved that information technology had some historical aspects to information technology other than just set in a different time period. I am looking forwards to

RATING: 4 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)

For a person who gives the death glare to mice in real life, I love stories about mice! First of all, I loved the pencil sketches in this book. I went through the book but admiring those at first. A Nest for Celeste is a historical fiction novel with real life characters of John James Audubon and his assistant, Joseph. I enjoyed the story and loved that it had some historical aspects to it other than simply set in a dissimilar time flow. I am looking forward to the side by side book in the series!

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This book should not be in print; it tells lies about American history and erases the experiences -- in fact, it often erases the existence -- of African-Americans.

This story is set on Oakley Plantation in 1821. The master character is a sentient mouse who tin can weave baskets, talk to other animals, and befriend Joseph Stonemason, the teenage assistant of John James Audubon. Mason and Audubon are real people; Oakley Plantation is a real place.

Over the course of the story, the writer goes into slap-up detai

This book should not be in print; it tells lies nearly American history and erases the experiences -- in fact, it oft erases the existence -- of African-Americans.

This story is set on Oakley Plantation in 1821. The master character is a sentient mouse who can weave baskets, talk to other animals, and befriend Joseph Stonemason, the teenage assistant of John James Audubon. Mason and Audubon are real people; Oakley Plantation is a real place.

Over the course of the story, the author goes into slap-up particular about the animals and plants of Oakley Plantation. Only just about the only people present are the white owners of the land, a diverseness of hunters shooting birds, Audubon, and his assistant.

These are just a few examples of the absolute erasure of the enslaved people who lived on Oakley Plantation in 1821:
On folio 95, "food was existence brought out from the summertime kitchen."
On page 170, horses "were hurried into the barn, along with wagons of cotton and flax."
On page 218, "Celeste could see that the early on activity of the plantation had begun. Horses were pulling wagons toward the rice and sugercane fields, and smoke was rise from a few chimneys dotted beyond the landscape."

But most offensively of all, on page 150, "Ii young boys, the sons of one of the farmhands" give a wood thrush to Joseph for Audubon's project. The boys had establish the bird in the lower barn, and in render for their service, Joseph gives them a coin.

A full-folio illustration makes it articulate that these boys are African-American. This passage, then, tells a prevarication to children. There were no African-American farmhands on Oakley Plantation in 1821. Any African-American boys on that plantation were the sons of enslaved people. They would themselves be enslaved, and they would not accept been earning money by bringing birds to Audubon or his banana.

No book telling such heinous lies near the reality of Louisiana plantation life in 1821 should remain in impress. It is offensive that it was published in 2010 at all.

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Jul 05, 2010 Jessica rated it did non similar it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Is there a manner to give a book negative stars? I was warned this was "not a practiced book," only similar a trainwreck I but couldn't expect abroad. I couldn't believe that such a cute picayune book with pretty drawings could exist this bad. And on the surface it is not overwhelmingly bad. Just the themes that emerge are unbearable. Let'southward start with the basic premise: Celeste wants a place that feels like dwelling house. And in the end she finds one. Not the place with friends, not a convenient place nearly a food source. No Is in that location a mode to give a book negative stars? I was warned this was "not a proficient book," merely like a trainwreck I just couldn't await away. I couldn't believe that such a cute piffling book with pretty drawings could exist this bad. And on the surface it is not overwhelmingly bad. But the themes that emerge are unbearable. Let'south outset with the basic premise: Celeste wants a place that feels like home. And in the end she finds one. Not the place with friends, not a convenient identify near a nutrient source. No her new home'due south advantage is that it is pretty. Yes, appearance is more of import than whatever other factor in finally settling on a home. Shall we discuss the bullying in the volume? The ii rats are clearly presented as bullies with no other personality characteristics. 1 is conveniently killed by a true cat early on. The second suddenly reappears toward the finish of the book. Has Celeste grown and found her vox to speak up to the bully? No, she simpers and cowers and lets herself be bossed effectually until the 2nd rat too dies a random expiry. And the decease of the rat is justified because she was overweight. "Tweren't nobodies fault 'cept peradventure Trixie for eating 1 meal too many." (quoting from retentiveness as the book is not at mitt correct now) As if existence fat is a justification for death?!?!? Oh, and then you set a book in 1821 in a plantation in Louisiana, and the simply human characters given names are white? And there is a brief mention of the son of a field hand. Talk virtually white washing history. Yes, I am applying modern sensibilities to an historical setting. But that is just what the characters do when they recoil at the cruelty of hunting. Come one, fauna killing was a daily issue in this time. It was as commonplace as going to the market for us. Then why is Celeste shocked at the shooting of birds? Yeah, at that place is a sure irony to Audubon killing birds, simply non enough to write a novel around it. Bad, bad, bad book total of superficial fluff. ...more

Mar 18, 2010 Donalyn rated it really liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I think that any book with a mouse (or canis familiaris) on the cover has instant kid-entreatment. Henry Cole creates a tender heroine with Celeste, a young mouse, who is lonely and looking for a home. She lives nether the floorboards of a plantation house, where she fears the cat, and the 2 rats who steal her food, seize with teeth and tease her, and force her to forage for them.

Celeste is an creative person, who weaves cute baskets from grass blades, shells, feathers, and other scraps from her wanderings around the plantation

I recollect that any volume with a mouse (or canis familiaris) on the cover has instant child-appeal. Henry Cole creates a tender heroine with Celeste, a immature mouse, who is lonely and looking for a abode. She lives under the floorboards of a plantation firm, where she fears the cat, and the two rats who steal her nutrient, bite and tease her, and forcefulness her to forage for them.

Celeste is an artist, who weaves beautiful baskets from grass blades, shells, feathers, and other scraps from her wanderings around the plantation. When John James Audubon and his young amateur, Joseph, arrive at the plantation to report the birds and plants, Celeste finds a friend in Joseph, who she sees equally a beau artist. Celeste embarks on several adventures as a result of this new friendship and somewhen finds a permanent, safe habitation.

I thought that the interplay between the illustrations and the text brought Celeste and her earth to life and that the volume had a nice message most the importance of art and friendship in a person's (mouse's) life.

I wonder if the information about Audubon is besides subtle for young readers. Will they realize that many of the birds that Celeste encounters on her adventures similar the Carolina parakeet, Ivory-billed woodpecker, and Passenger pigeon are at present extinct? OK, maybe non the woodpecker... I call up adults should provide additional insight to young readers about Audubon's work and the significance of including these birds in the book, so that young readers will gain deeper pregnant from information technology.

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Shades of The Invention of Hugo Cabret. A fat, very heavily illustrated (even like style, the soft B&Westward pencil), historical fiction, with a brave main grapheme who is basically solitary in the world. The real-life grapheme in this case draws birds instead of makes films, but in both instances he is creative and at to the lowest degree a bit eccentric. This didn't exercise much for me, only mayhap considering I was distracted by the comparison, so I'll round up my 2.5 star rating.

Otoh, Cole's writing intrigues, and I will

Shades of The Invention of Hugo Cabret. A fat, very heavily illustrated (even similar mode, the soft B&W pencil), historical fiction, with a brave master grapheme who is basically lone in the world. The real-life graphic symbol in this example draws birds instead of makes films, but in both instances he is creative and at least a fleck eccentric. This didn't do much for me, but perhaps because I was distracted by the comparison, so I'll round up my 2.5 star rating.

Otoh, Cole's writing intrigues, and I volition consider more by him.

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Told from the signal of view of a mouse. Celeste only wants a dainty, safe abode and enough food to consume, but when important guests come to the house in which she's made a home, her life is changed past a gentle boy who treats her kindly.

A slice-of-life beast story with a varied cast of critters, gear up upwards against historical events surrounding the travels and artistry of Mr. Audubon, who is famous for his illustrations of N American birds. This whole story is gorgeously illustrated. Fine art on every pag

Told from the point of view of a mouse. Celeste only wants a nice, condom habitation and enough nutrient to eat, but when of import guests come to the business firm in which she'southward made a habitation, her life is changed past a gentle boy who treats her kindly.

A slice-of-life animal story with a varied cast of critters, set upward confronting historical events surrounding the travels and artistry of Mr. Audubon, who is famous for his illustrations of North American birds. This whole story is gorgeously illustrated. Fine art on every page.

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May 07, 2010 X rated it liked it

As usual, I don't know if this should exist 3 or 4 stars... maybe 3 1/2 would split the difference. Anyhow, the story is nice, if a bit forgettable, but the illustrations are wonderful and more than make up for any lack in the writing! It is incommunicable to not fall in beloved with Celeste. She is merely so cute, and about of the other animals in the drawings are but as endearing.
Equally usual, I don't know if this should be 3 or 4 stars... perhaps iii 1/two would split the difference. Anyway, the story is nice, if a bit forgettable, just the illustrations are wonderful and more brand up for any lack in the writing! It is impossible to not fall in love with Celeste. She is merely so cute, and most of the other animals in the drawings are just as endearing.
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May 26, 2010 Qt rated it liked it

3 1/2 stars. The story is sweet and I think I'd take loved it when I was 10 or so. My favorite part, though, is the art. 3 ane/2 stars. The story is sugariness and I recollect I'd have loved it when I was x or so. My favorite part, though, is the art. ...more

Mar 02, 2022 Betsy Cypress rated it it was amazing

The rating is from eight children, ages 5-12. My 16 yr old son could not tolerate an anthropomorphic mouse and much preferred to read Plato and his chemistry books, and then he did not join in. I volition say it really held the attention of even the youngest girls - not an easy task when they love to run and play!
This a sugariness story, simply I would not have rated it 5 stars myself. The x yr old girl said it is at present one of her favorite books and the 11 year old girl begged me to order the sequel (which I d The rating is from eight children, ages five-12. My xvi year old son could not tolerate an anthropomorphic mouse and much preferred to read Plato and his chemistry books, and then he did non bring together in. I will say it really held the attention of even the youngest girls - not an piece of cake chore when they dearest to run and play!
This a sweet story, but I would not take rated it 5 stars myself. The 10 year onetime girl said information technology is now one of her favorite books and the eleven twelvemonth old daughter begged me to order the sequel (which I did). The illustrations are arable and quite enjoyable.

Tomorrow we render to "How to Steal a Dog" which I am excited most!

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May 10, 2012 four_eyes rated it really liked information technology

This is a heartwarming tale of a picayune mouse named Celeste who longs for a identify she can call home and friends to ease her loneliness. On her adventures, Celeste encounters many obstacles (bullying mice, getting swept away by the air current, escaping the house cat's clutches), but her endurance and resourcefulness saves her on many occasions and leads her to befriend a diverse group of friends; man and neighborhood creatures. In the end, Celeste matures from being a timid to a brave mouse who finds This is a heartwarming tale of a picayune mouse named Celeste who longs for a place she can call abode and friends to ease her loneliness. On her adventures, Celeste encounters many obstacles (bullying mice, getting swept away by the wind, escaping the firm cat's clutches), but her endurance and resourcefulness saves her on many occasions and leads her to befriend a diverse group of friends; human and neighborhood creatures. In the end, Celeste matures from existence a timid to a brave mouse who finds her place in the world she occupies. Celeste makes many life irresolute decisions and never regrets her choices. When she reflects upon her short-lived friendships and questions whether it was worthwhile in becoming friends with those she knows will get out her, Celeste simply answers yes because the happy memories will stay with her forever.

Henry Cole wrote a wonderful story for children that surprisingly an older audition might also find much joy in reading besides. I was very overjoyed by Celeste and her take on life. Celeste'due south questioning of home and friends parallel thoughts that people of all ages go through and continuously practise and so every bit they grow in life; finding their ain place in a globe that tin be daunting and unfamiliar, of belonging, of the people we run into, and beingness brave in taking that extra pace to strike up a friendship, long lasting or non. The story is also interspersed with detailed blackness and white illustrations that bring Celeste's varied expressions to brilliant life and gives readers a perspective in seeing the world through a mouse's eyes.

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Aug xx, 2020 Katja Labonté rated information technology it was amazing

five+ stars & 6/10 hearts. This book. It is then, then beautiful and sugariness. The illustrations are perfect, and the story is so whimsical! <3 (Notation that there are some euphemisms and 1 place where Audubon swears in French). There are some lovely descriptions... of music and the globe and the river... Joseph is a darling and I loved his interactions with Celeste. And Lafayette is so much fun. xD This is definitely a must-read for anyone and you will not regret purchasing it! (The hardcover version is b 5+ stars & half-dozen/10 hearts. This book. Information technology is so, and so beautiful and sweet. The illustrations are perfect, and the story is and then whimsical! <iii (Note that at that place are some euphemisms and one place where Audubon swears in French). At that place are some lovely descriptions... of music and the world and the river... Joseph is a darling and I loved his interactions with Celeste. And Lafayette is so much fun. xD This is definitely a must-read for anyone and you volition non regret purchasing information technology! (The hardcover version is beautiful and worth every penny).

A Favourite Beautiful Quote: "[The thrush] hopped gracefully onto the dogwood co-operative, fluttering a little. He took a deep breath and opened his oral fissure to sing.
"Out came the liquid, gurgling stream of silver notes and then sweet and fluid that Joseph dropped his pencils....
"The song, a mixture of sweetness and melancholy, swirled through the room like a cool breeze."
A Favourite Humorous Quote: "'Well, there I was, mindin' my own business, [...], had barely gotten whatsoever distance at all, and the next thing I know, Smash! Some crazy maniac down in the yard is jumpin' around and wavin' his gun and laughin'! My wing missin' some feathers, and down I go.'"

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Jun 29, 2010 Eva rated it it was astonishing

I loved this book .. partly considering it was THE chapter book that has inspired my daughter to explore the delightful world of books (beyond the simple easy readers and bridging books).

A Nest for Celeste was a great summer read ... providing united states with inspiration for our own written report of birds and of Audubon himself. The concepts of bullying and the methods used by Audubon provided much for discussion. Henry Cole's delightful illustrations encouraged the states to endeavor our paw at charcoal.

I loved this book .. partly because it was THE chapter book that has inspired my daughter to explore the delightful world of books (beyond the simple easy readers and bridging books).

A Nest for Celeste was a bang-up summer read ... providing us with inspiration for our own study of birds and of Audubon himself. The concepts of bullying and the methods used past Audubon provided much for give-and-take. Henry Cole'south delightful illustrations encouraged us to endeavour our hand at charcoal.

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I actually liked this book because information technology was overnice of how he had to exist in his owners pocket the whole time and how the owner treated him really nice like a person. I recommend this book to everyone because tit has different type of feelings and fine art. That's why I gave it a 5 star. It was about a mouse that always weaved baskets he lived in the attic, in a sock, in a cage, and in Joseph's pocket (owner). Also, that his best friend which was a human being ( Joseph) had a friend that was non Celeste's and te I actually liked this volume considering it was squeamish of how he had to exist in his owners pocket the whole fourth dimension and how the owner treated him really overnice similar a person. I recommend this book to anybody because tit has different type of feelings and art. That'south why I gave it a five star. Information technology was about a mouse that e'er weaved baskets he lived in the attic, in a sock, in a cage, and in Joseph's pocket (owner). As well, that his all-time friend which was a homo ( Joseph) had a friend that was not Celeste's and teaches Joseph how to depict merely only birds and they had to kill ane to describe it but Joseph didn't want to. So he started cartoon pictures of Celeste and Celeste was e'er happy to sign information technology with his paw after. ...more

Jul 12, 2021 Sara Hollar rated it it was astonishing

Wow SUCH a sweet story!! There are illustrations on almost every page, and then this would be a great book to read aloud to younger kids. The story was about a sweetness mouse named Celeste who makes friends with Joseph, a boy who is John James Audobon's banana. You larn about how he painted his incredible birds (tin I just say! I never thought near how you would paint a bird before cameras! So fascinating.) and follow Celeste on her adventures. We all loved this story! Wow SUCH a sweet story!! There are illustrations on almost every page, then this would exist a cracking volume to read aloud to younger kids. The story was about a sugariness mouse named Celeste who makes friends with Joseph, a male child who is John James Audobon's assistant. You learn about how he painted his incredible birds (tin I but say! I never thought about how you would paint a bird earlier cameras! So fascinating.) and follow Celeste on her adventures. Nosotros all loved this story! ...more

Sep 30, 2018 Sarah rated it really liked it

This was beautiful— both the story and illustrations. I loved how it told office of the history of Audubon and his assistant and their controversial manner of illustrating the birds of Due north America before there were cameras. The animal relationships were and so sweetness. And holy crap — it fifty-fifty included an Ivory-billed Woodpecker! I was sold with that. Lovely and historically interesting.

Jul 25, 2017 Melissa rated it information technology was amazing

This was an adorable story of Celeste the mouse 🐭 equally she learns of love friendship and what they truely mean but she has has some grand adventures of her own and she is a talented little mouse also .. I enjoyed every minute of this story and the illustrations were astonishing a must read for all .

If you like reading about sad mice this volume is for you.

The illustrations are phenomenal. Six stars.

Mar 05, 2020 Laura rated it information technology was amazing

A sweet night time read for my 9 year old daughter and I to enjoy together. The historical and winsome nature of this story coupled with remarkable illustrations made it lovely. Now my daugther is off reading Celeste'due south next run a risk, at a faster step than we read this one! A sweet night fourth dimension read for my 9 yr erstwhile daughter and I to enjoy together. The historical and winsome nature of this story coupled with remarkable illustrations made it lovely. At present my daugther is off reading Celeste'south next gamble, at a faster step than we read this one! ...more

Welcome to Oakley plantation in Louisiana during the Monroe administration, where Mr. and Mrs. Pirrie live with their daughter Eliza. Visitor Mr. Audubon and his amateur Joseph come to alive with the Pirries. Audubon is charged with didactics young Eliza to dance, draw, and pigment to set up herself to entertain suiters. While there, Audubon will collect wildlife specimens to sketch and to paint for his Birds of America folio. Fifteen-year-old apprentice Joseph volition help by painting backgrounds. L Welcome to Oakley plantation in Louisiana during the Monroe administration, where Mr. and Mrs. Pirrie alive with their daughter Eliza. Company Mr. Audubon and his apprentice Joseph come up to live with the Pirries. Audubon is charged with teaching young Eliza to dance, depict, and pigment to ready herself to entertain suiters. While there, Audubon will collect wildlife specimens to sketch and to paint for his Birds of America folio. Fifteen-yr-former apprentice Joseph volition assistance by painting backgrounds. Living beneath the floorboards is a little mouse named Celeste. Her female parent and begetter, three brothers and sister, were killed by a blade during harvest. A groundhog named Ellis saved her, nursed her back to health, and brought her to the Pirrie's business firm. Under the floorboard, she weaves beautiful baskets out of grasses and feathers. But she is tormented by Trixie and Iliana, ii greedy rats who send out Celeste for food, even if the house true cat and dog are roaming nearby. Celeste, afterwards being cornered by the cat, is forced to relocate. Celeste climbs the newel mail and proceeds upwards the staircase. She enters a small room that belongs to Joseph. Exhausted from her efforts, she builds a nest in the toe of Joseph'southward boot. Immature Joseph finds her the next day and rather than tossing her bated, he nuzzles and cuddles her, calling her Fiddling 1. From then on, Celeste becomes his companion, living in his pocket and eating the peanuts he feeds her. But much adventure awaits for Celeste. Soon a wood thrush named Cornelius is in the room with her, request her to fetch him dogwood berries. Celeste obliges, only to exist tossed and tumbled because of a violent storm, and carried away downwards a muddy, raging river. There she is saved past an osprey named Lafayette. Celeste weaves a gondola and asks Lafayette to fly her back to the plantation. This plan works and soon Celeste is dorsum with Joseph. Adjacent, Lafayette is wounded by Audubon, who shot him. Celeste helps her osprey friend escape. The author clearly holds a strong opinion on hunting, in full general, and of Audubon'due south method for killing birds only and so he may paint them. Hunters, hunting, and guns are cast as the enemy and human folly is highlighted, especially when the hunters shoot poor Joseph in the head (though he is only wounded). Joseph recovers, the corking rat Trixie returns, and Celeste discovers an attic full of article of furniture including a dollhouse simply her size. Joseph leaves, sad he cannot find Celeste. This book, full of beautiful illustrations, is a sweet rendering of personified animals in a human world. The reader eagerly roots for Celeste and Joseph and wishes for them to stay together, but alas Joseph leaves, and Celeste makes a habitation in the doll firm. She is not lonely, though, as Cornelius the wood thrush has sent Violet, a wren, to keep her company through the wintertime. ...more

Mar 27, 2013 Alyssa rated information technology really liked it

I thought is was pitiful in the end. I recollect information technology was beautiful how Celeste fabricated lots of new friends. I thought it was sad what happened to her family. I liked the part when she found Joseph. I don't think it was squeamish what Mr. Audubon did with the birds at all.

-- review by Quinn, half-dozen.75 years old

My review:
The real world is hard and maybe that is why I prefer fantasy. I had a hard fourth dimension with this book...information technology made me recall of Charlotte's Spider web. Let me start past proverb that our heroine lives in the end. But through

I thought is was sorry in the end. I think it was cute how Celeste made lots of new friends. I thought it was sad what happened to her family. I liked the part when she institute Joseph. I don't recall it was nice what Mr. Audubon did with the birds at all.

-- review past Quinn, 6.75 years old

My review:
The real world is hard and perchance that is why I adopt fantasy. I had a hard fourth dimension with this volume...it fabricated me think of Charlotte'south Spider web. Let me starting time by saying that our heroine lives in the end. Only through the volume nosotros encounter many highs and lows of this sugariness mouse. She is bullied by rats, nearly drowned in a thunderstorm, almost killed by a cat, but her bully meets that fate instead, and witnesses birds beingness shot or i who dies in captivity at the hands of Mr. Audubon who likes to pose his subjects utilizing rigor mortis or pins.

It sounds awful, right? At the same time, there are wonderful creatures that Celeste meets on her adventures and many means that we see friendship and love at piece of work. She uses lots of ingenuity in challenging situations and I loved her basket making skills. We also run across how this little mouse could exist a role of changing how Mr. Audubon created his fine art without harming the birds.

I wasn't so happy with the ending as it felt a bit punted where this bird but shows upwardly right at the stop and makes a tidy bow. However, information technology does bulldoze dwelling the betoken that friends come and get, but the memories of their adventures will always warm your center. And there are new friends to be made.

Quinn is in a place of finding her resilience. She is not always very transparent nearly her feelings, so it can be difficult to tell. Nevertheless, while reading this volume, she would mention that a function was sad and she would want to conversation almost it(isn't information technology sad that this happened or that he does is that way, etc.). She would then be set up move on and hear more than and proceed the volume. And clearly she rated it four stars so she liked it.

Somehow I think it was harder for me. Can't Celeste be rubber and cozy for just a little while?!? Perhaps I need to work on my resilience? :-) If you do read this to your niggling 1, be prepared for the way Mr. Audubon does his bird paintings because that is factual and was alarming to me. I did not know that part of his autobiography.

If yous are looking for a natural chance that isn't tugging so difficult on your centre strings, I would say read The Night Fairy instead. If you are looking for something that is a mix of the dangers of being a small animal, sweet friendships and small joys, how fine art is subjective in many means...give this a attempt. Probably two stars from me.

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Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6729699-a-nest-for-celeste

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