Reviewed by Emily Naik

Ganesh and the Little Mouse is inspired by a myth of Hindu gods, Ganesh and Karthikeya, racing around the world. Joshi adapts the original myth to include themes of friendship, family, and perseverance for a modern audience.

Ganesh was born with the head of an elephant, which sometimes makes him feel different from everyone else. He is also mocked because he has an unlikely best friend – Little Mouse. Ganesh is helped through bullying by his mother, who always provides comfort to keep his head up, and his father who provides words to give him strength.

One day, Ganesh decides to enter a contest to race around the world. While other gods are riding faster and more fearsome animals. Ganesh has faith in his Little Mouse. This parable focuses on appreciation of friends and family, because while everyone else is racing around the world, Ganesh realizes his world is standing right in front of him. The illustrations are immersive as the story is endearing.

Ganesh and the Little Mouse
by Anjali Joshi
illustrated by Christy McCreery
Mascot Books, 2016
30 pages

Emily is M.Ed. student in English Education who would also like the opportunity to race around the world.