Praise for Claire Lebourg

"How Dreadful! is an unmitigated delight . . . rendered even wittier by Lebourg's winsome drawings."—The New York Times

"A quirky collection of creatures provide a lesson on self-expression in this tongue-in-cheek picture book about the subjectivity of art . . . A quirky collection of creatures provide a lesson on self-expression in this tongue-in-cheek picture book about the subjectivity of art."—Danielle Balantyne, Foreword Reviews (starred review)

"In this charming tale of perspective, a little moth loses faith in her own artistic skills . . . Ethereal brushstrokes and the lightest of tones and hues give this French import both allure and verve by turns . . . Any child who has displayed art proudly and found it misunderstood will find a kindred soul in this utterly amiable story."—Kirkus Reviews

"Lebourg sets up expectations, then confounds them . . . A tale about the personal and sometimes downright irrational feelings evoked by works of art."—Publishers Weekly

“Reminiscent of the late William Steig’s work, this imaginative French import blends elegant turns of phrase with delicate art, rendered in watercolor and pen and ink. Divided into three chapters, the text includes challenging syntax and vocabulary, but emergent readers will eagerly push on, encouraged by the gentle humor and by their feelings of sophistication over the naïve Mousse. The interplay between visuals and words is a sheer delight, while the final punchline will have little ones giggling. Enchanting.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A Day with Mousse is a crystalline ode to uncomplicated delights. Celebrating the joy of being in the moment above all, its delicate watercolor illustrations revel in everyday activities...its gentle presentation and delightful imagery suggests that the unexpected can be a welcome boon to one’s daily existence."—Foreword Reviews

“Mousse is a fantastical green-and-white striped creature whose wardrobe decisions entail choosing his daily pair of socks... But Mousse’s daily life is interrupted when an uninvited walrus named J.P. Barnacle enters his house and takes up residence, challenging the reclusive Mousse to include a new someone in his life... This charming fantasy is suitable for reading independently or as a read-aloud. A pleasing picture book with a chapter book format.”—School Library Journal

"The characters and setting make this a quirkily charming read. The soft, color illustrations are essential, providing visual reference points for Mousse and his world as well as laugh-out-loud moments, including the surprise at story’s end."—Cooperative Children’s Book Center

“This delightful series opener is the origin story for a future classic in the odd couple genre (à la Elephant and Piggie, Frog and Toad, and so on)…Lebourg’s wonderfully wobbly watercolor and ink illustrations are reminiscent of Quentin Blake or William Steig, but still instantly recognizable. I’m eager for more lightly surreal hijinx from these two!”—Timothy Otte, Wild Rumpus Books (Minneapolis, MN)

"A surrealist Frog and Toad...if you like cozy chapter books like Cornbread and Poppy and are open to a sprinkle of wonder and maybe-magic, this book is for you."—Chrissie Wright, librarian and host of Book Delight with Chrissie Wright podcast

“The mostly pastel pen and ink illustrations are utterly charming in their simplicity. There are illustrations on nearly every page sometimes shared with text. This is a very sweet, understated, story that would be calming if read at bedtime.”—Youth Services Book Review

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