Norman is the doorman at the well-hidden hole around in the back of the Majestic Museum of Art. He greets all the creatures who come to see the treasures kept in the basement of the museum. He springs all the traps and explains the paintings and sculptures to the guests.

When he’s not busy guiding guests through the museum basement, Norman creates his own art in his home inside the visor of the knight’s armored helmet and keeps himself hidden from the upstairs guard who comes to the basement to set mouse traps.

One day, Norman learns of a contest for sculptors big and small and thinks about entering his tiny sculpture in the contest. Can Norman find a way to enter the contest without revealing himself to the upstairs guard? And if Norman’s sculpture wins the contest, will he get his secret wish?

Delightful pastels illustrate this enchanting tale of a mouse who is true to himself. Readers young and old will find much to appreciate in this charming tale from the author of “Corduroy.”

Highly recommended. ( )

Wow. I keep finding more things I didn't know existed when I visit the Children's section of the library. I loved [b:Corduroy|231850|Corduroy|Don Freeman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172940339s/231850.jpg|261903], of course, but imo this is even better! I love that the sculpture can, like all great art, be appreciated on different levels - is it a simple illustration? or irony? or even a bold socio-political statement? Freeman knew better than to talk down to children - preschoolers thru grandparents will find some refreshing ideas in this fable. ( )

37 months - we read this a couple times and enjoyed it. ( )

my favorite book when i was wee. ( )

Genre: Fantasy
Age Appropriateness: Primary
Review: This picture book is a great example of a fantasy book. It includes animals that talk and a mouse that creates sculptures out of mouse traps. It helps the children understand the variety of pieces of art at an art show.

Media: Mixed media ( )