Sandra L. Tidwell (Children's Book and Play Review, July 2007)
Sam is a library mouse. At night he comes out of his little hole in the wall and reads to his heart's content. He likes to read all kinds of books: picture books, biographies, poetry, and mysteries. With so much information and ideas in his head, Sam decides to write a book and calls it Squeak! A Mouse's Life. He puts it on the shelf in the biography section and waits. Sure enough, the next day it is discovered by the children. In the nights that follow, Sam continues to write mouse-sized books. The librarian features one at library story time, and the children become anxious to meet Sam. Sam is too shy to meet the children, so he thinks up a unique solution for "Meet the Author" day. Not many librarians would like it if a mouse was living in a hole in a wall by any of their collections, but they will all love the message Sam sends to young patrons--everyone can be an author! Writing is fun! Sam, who has read books about writing, emphasizes the best writing advice: "Write what you know!" After reading this book to children, give them mouse-sized books and pencils and your shelves will be "full of books written and illustrated by people who had never written a book before, telling stories that had never been told." Rating: Outstanding. Reading Level: Toddler; Preschool; Primary. Category: Picture books. 2007, Abrams Books for Young Readers, [32]p., $15.95. © 2002, Brigham Young University.

Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature)
Sam, a library mouse, lives in a hole behind the children’s reference books. This charming fellow, who dresses in shirt and pants and sleeps in pajamas, really enjoys his life there, sleeping during the busy days and relishing every kind of book at night. After filling his mind with both facts and imaginary wonders, he decides to write his own book. He works hard to finish Squeak! A Mouse’s Life; then he places it on the shelf, in the Biography section of course. His next opus, The Lonely Cheese, goes with the picture books. The children and librarians notice his books and begin to read them. They wonder who the mysterious author is and decide to invite him for Author Day. Instead, too shy to appear himself, Sam inspires his fans to write a book of their own. Our hero is introduced on the front cover, sword in hand, standing atop a cat’s face on a book, his foot on a pencil. The back and title page have him kneeling between books, hushing finger to mouth. Naturalistic vignettes and full-page scenes show Sam at work or imagining, as well as an active library. The titles of the books around him add to the fun. 2007, Abrams Books for Young Readers/Harry N. Abrams, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2007 (Vol. 75, No. 15))
A writing rodent inspires young library patrons. Sam the mouse has a cozy home behind a wall in the children's reference section, and every night he sneaks outside to read, feeling that the library belongs to him. His head full of information, he decides it's time to write a book of his own. Squeak!, his memoir, becomes an instant success when it's found stuck in a shelf by a young student. Sam follows up his debut with The Lonely Cheese and The Mystery of Mouse Mansion. Mrs. Forrester, the head librarian, leaves Sam a letter suggesting a "Meet the Author Day." Industrious Sam (who sharpens pencils with his teeth) turns this into a writer's workshop, with all the attendees turning out books of their own. Though the substantial text skews to older readership, the earth tones in Kirk's gouache illustrations lend warmth to his tale, which should encourage young would-be writers. 2007, Abrams, 32p, $15.95. Category: Picture book. Ages 4 to 8. © 2007 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Jennifer Harkleroad (Library Media Connection, January 2008)
Sam the mouse lives in the library and reads books at night. Sam loves all genres of books, and one night he decides to write his own stories. Sam begins leaving his books one by one on the library shelves for the children to read. The books become so popular with the children that they want to meet the author of these mysterious additions to the library shelves. The librarian leaves a note for the author, asking to meet him. Sam has a surprise answer in store! Children will be inspired to write their own stories after reading this book. The attractive illustrations are bold, colorful, and definitely appealing. The story is perfect for introducing various genres of writing. Younger children will appreciate the cute storyline, and the library media specialist can use it as a teaching tool to introduce genre and creative writing. This book will serve as a perfect "beginning of the school year" story for library orientation days and is a wonderful addition to any elementary school library. Recommended. 2007, Abrams Books for Young Readers, 32pp., $15.95 hc. Ages 5 to 9.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2008)
Library mouse Sam begins writing--and surreptitiously shelving--his own tales. When the librarian (who doesn't know he's a mouse) asks for an author visit, Sam remains concealed and invites children to write their own books. Kirk delivers an undisguised message about the value of writing. His human characters look stiff, but Sam is depicted with verve and humor. Category: Picture Books. 2007, Abrams, 32pp, 15.95. Ages 4 to 9. Rating: 4: Recommended, with minor flaws.