Chapter Book Chips - "A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home" by Henry Cole

Celeste is a tiny little mouse in search of a home she can call her home. Celeste lives at a Louisana plantation in the early 1800s. Celeste is no ordinary mouse. She can weave beautiful baskets and can talk with other animals. Her troubles begin with two rats who chase her out of her home under the dining room floorboards. Then she is pursued by the gray cat who lives in the house. When she seeks refuge in an old boot, Celeste makes a human friend. The owner of the boot is Joseph, a young boy who is working with John James Audubon, the wildlife artist. Joseph is lonely for his family and he dosen't always approve of the way Mr. Audubon goes about his work. In fact, some of this methods seem cruel. Joseph confides in Celeste and the two become inseperable as Celeste travels with Joseph in his shirt pocket. But Celeste's troubles are far from over. She must endure a terrible storm and more trouble from one of the rats before she can finally find a safe, warm spot for herself. Along the way, she makes more friends and discovers that having a nice nest isn't enough. You need friends to share it with. For grades four and five. -gw-

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