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Norman the Doorman

Norman the Doorman

Written and Illustrated by Don Freeman

Summary: This book is about a small mouse named Norman. He is the "doorman" of an art museum. He shows his fellow mice friends all of the artifacts in the basement of the art museum, which is also where he lives. He never ventures to the upstairs of the art museum for fear of being caught by the security guards. These guards set traps in the basement for mice like Norman, but Norman is carful to disarm them so that he and his fellow mice do not become victims. He even takes the wire from the mouse traps and makes artwork out of it sometimes. 
One day, Norman sees a sign outside of the museum announcing the sculpture competition occurring inside. Norman gets so excited and runs into the basement and grabs his latest wire sculpture. He runs it upstairs, careful not to be spotted by the security guards, and puts it next to the other sculptures. After the judging is completed, Norman discovers that his sculpture won! As a prize, he is allowed to see the upstairs of the museum on a guided tour and is very happy.

Review: This story is very endearing and is great for read alouds. However, it is a very long children's book: 64 pages! It would be great to read in sections and create anticipation in the children. Individuals could read this during 2nd or 3rd grade. The pictures are beautiful and colorful as well.


-The Green Eyed Reader
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