If I were a Mouse . . . allows young children to imagine experiencing independence and self-reliance in selecting a place to live, eat what they want (even if they get a tummy ache), and play where they might not otherwise be allowed to play. Rather than ending the story in a traditional way, the reader is asked, What would you do if you were a mouse? The birth of Annette Asbill s grandson, and the subsequent death of her mother, opened the floodgates to her creativity. Annette s grandson, Brendan Michael Blue, holds her heart in his hands; thus the creation of Michael Blue books. "

Not intending to attract attention, Mouse stealthily joins the wooden figurines on the dining room sideboard. She listens intently as Mother reads the traditional Christmas story and allows her vivid imagination to transport her to the donkey carrying Mary, the soon-to-be mother of Jesus. Share Mary's travail and ultimate joy as witnessed by the endearing little mouse. Consider, as does Mouse, whether to stay in the world in which Jesus would grow up, or return to her own time and place to share with others the magic she felt on that first Christmas.