Greatly Blessed: A Mouse Tail on Mackinac Island

I'm taking the girls to Michigan next month, so when the opportunity to review a book set in Michigan came up, I jumped at the chance.

A Mouse Tail on Mackinac Island is a picture book by Summer Porter. The sweet drawings were done by illustrator Maggie Chambers, both of whom have a childhood connection to the island.

Here's what Katie, age 12, had to say after she read the story:

"I thought the book A Mouse Tail on Mackinac Island was a kind of funny book. My favorite part was when the family of mice is in a bookstore and they're just about to go to sleep when a big brown hungry cat wants to eat them, but then they escape to sleep in a popcorn bag."

"My least favorite part is probably when the family live in a post office because then they get caught and have to find a new home. I also really like the location the author chose for the book, since we're going to Michigan."

I kind of hate to break it to her that Detroit is way less picturesque than the lovely resort town pictured in the story, but I guess she'll figure it out when we get there.

I can see myself reading this one to my second grade students next school year. Maybe with a mouse craft or a quick talk about the Great Lakes.

On a warm summer day in northern Michigan, a family of mice find their way to Mackinac Island, the "jewel of the Great Lakes," to start a new life. Tag along and enter a world of whimsy in A Mouse Tail on Mackinac Island.

Join the family--Father Mouse, a lover of cheese; Mother Mouse, a singer of lullabies; Max Mouse, a collector of stamps and Millie and Maizy Mouse, sweet little babies--as they search for the perfect home. What adventures will they have? Where will they live? What dangers will they encounter? With vibrant illustrations and a charming story, A Mouse Tail on Mackinac Island will capture both your heart and imagination.

From Modern History Press

Available to buy from...

Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble GPlay Paperback Hardcover

"Soon to become a Mackinac favorite - make way for this amusing and entertaining story. Whimsical illustrations, filled with recognizable details, engage the reader throughout this thoughtful book. Who wouldn't want to join the little Mouse family on an island adventure?"

--Jennifer Powell, author and illustrator, What I Saw on Mackinac

"Maggie Chambers and Summer Porter have created a fun and colorful adventure of a family of mice all readers will enjoy - and, like a bite of island fudge, A Mouse Tail on Mackinac Island will prove very satisfying!" --Jim Bolone, co-author, The Dockporter

"Magnifying the little things in life, A Mouse Tail on Mackinac Island is a charming story told with an educational twist. Heartwarming characters, a unique setting and glorious imagery will make this book a family favorite and Mackinac Island staple." -- Kate Dupre, local artist and proprietor, Watercolor Cafe

"This charming children's book captures the essence of Mackinac Island. A classic 'tail' for people of all ages that will spark a sense of wonder for years to come." --Mayor Margaret Doud, city of Mackinac Island.

Enjoy these excerpts!

About the Author

Summer Porter grew up in Southern Michigan but her favorite moments were spent on Mackinac Island visiting her family. Summer was an elementary school teacher for over 25 years and it should not be a surprise her favorite subject to teach was creative writing. Her passion for writing has led to 3 published magazine articles and multiple poems and short stories for family and friends. Summer also dabbles in art, golf, and searching for adventures in Michigan, Colorado and Arizona. Summer had the pleasure of working with her talented niece, Maggie Chambers, on this book. This is Summer’s first published children’s book, but it will not be her last!

You can also find the author here...

Website Facebook Instagram Goodreads Amazon Author Page

About the illustrator

Maggie Chambers grew up drawing, painting, and creating on Mackinac Island. After graduating from Mackinac Island Public School, she studied graphic design and new media at Alma College, and earned her BFA in 2015. Since then, Maggie has lived and worked in Washington, DC as a multidisciplinary designer and visual artist. She spends her summers on Mackinac Island, which remains a significant source of inspiration for her art and a place that keeps her inner child alive and well. This is Maggie’s first illustrated children’s book.