Vida
The Mice, the Cat, and the Alebrije
Will be published approx. on 18. December 2025
Book
Hardback
48 pages
978-1-4197-6459-2 (ISBN)
Description
From Sibert Award- and Pura Belpre? Medal-winning creator Duncan Tonatiuh comes a highly original fable inspired by Mexican folk art
The city of Mousetepec is a lively place filled with color, music, and alegria (joy). But everything changes one night when the shadow of un gato appears, growing larger and larger until it looms over the whole city. Fiestas are cancelled and the mercado empties as the cat terrorizes the townsfolk.
To save their town, two little mouse siblings-Vida and her brother, Maximo-make a brave plan to scare away the cat after a bright, fantastical creature called an alebrije appears to them in a dream.
Acclaimed author-illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh presents this imaginative fable that will encourage young readers to confront any "shadows" they may face in their lives with a spirit of courage and alegria.
Includes a note on alebrijes, the inspiration behind this fable, glossary, pronunciation guide, and bibliography
Also available: Vida: Los ratones, el gato y el alebrije (Spanish Edition)
The city of Mousetepec is a lively place filled with color, music, and alegria (joy). But everything changes one night when the shadow of un gato appears, growing larger and larger until it looms over the whole city. Fiestas are cancelled and the mercado empties as the cat terrorizes the townsfolk.
To save their town, two little mouse siblings-Vida and her brother, Maximo-make a brave plan to scare away the cat after a bright, fantastical creature called an alebrije appears to them in a dream.
Acclaimed author-illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh presents this imaginative fable that will encourage young readers to confront any "shadows" they may face in their lives with a spirit of courage and alegria.
Includes a note on alebrijes, the inspiration behind this fable, glossary, pronunciation guide, and bibliography
Also available: Vida: Los ratones, el gato y el alebrije (Spanish Edition)
Reviews / Votes
***STARRED REVIEW***"Tonatiuh expertly maintains a brisk pace that engages and tickles. His familiar pre-Columbian-flavored artwork beautifully complements this simply told yet moving fable of collective resistance, boasting bursts of color and provocative shadows across splendid double-page spreads...Utterly mesmerizing." * Kirkus Reviews * ***STARRED REVIEW***
"This Spanish picture book, available simultaneously in English, is a wonderful way to introduce the meaningful art and history of the alebrije while reminding readers that they can come together to shine a light in a shadow-filled world"." * School Library Journal * "Tonatiuh's recognizable Pre-Columbian illustration style is in full effect here...The message about fighting back against darkness and fear with art, community, and joy is a potent one, and it lends the story the feeling of a modern fable, just familiar enough to feel it's imparting something true while still being something new." * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books * "The illustrations are vibrant and celebratory, reflecting the culture's love of color and filling each spread with energy and life. Sentences are short and accessible, yet the story remains creative and engaging-a notable achievement...A colorful bilingual must-have" * Booklist *
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Abrams
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Preschool to Third Grade, Interest Age: From 4 to 8 years
Illustrations
Full-color illustrations throughout
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 229 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
440 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4197-6459-2 (9781419764592)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
11/2025
Abrams Books for Young Readers
€16.49
Available for download
Person
Duncan Tonatiuh is an award-winning author-illustrator whose accolades include: a Pura Belpre Medal and multiple Honors, the Robert F. Sibert Medal, the Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award, the Americas Award, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award, and multiple Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List selections and New York Times Best Illustrated mentions. Both Mexican and American, Tonatiuh aims to create images and stories that honor the past but are still relevant to people today, especially children. He grew up in and currently lives in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with his wife and children, but travels to the United States often.