I'm very excited to open up today's read and see what's inside. This one caught my attention thanks to the title and cover. The two already promise a tale with all sorts of possibilities. Then, I saw that this one was short-listed for the British Books Award...which hints at amazing illustrations and a great tale, too. Right? I'll admit that I'm not always onboard with award decisions (especially in movies!), but I have high-hopes for this one.
So, let's open it up and see if I'll be disappointed or not.
UNEXPECTED GUESTS
by Mariajo Ilustrajo
Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Picture Book
42 pages
ages 4 to 8
Shortlisted for Illustrator of the Year - British Book Awards 2025
From the internationally best-selling author and illustrator, Mariajo Ilustrajo, comes an interactive page-turner of a picture book. Providing a playful, surprising twist on the classic “unexpected guest” premise, the narrative here is flipped, making humans the unexpected guests in a tale told by mice!
The mice living happily under the floorboards of a house find their peace is disturbed by some unexpected guests . . . humans! The mice are curious about their guests and set out to investigate. They find weird and wonderful human objects and lots of food, so they decide their guests might not be so bad after all – until our intrepid mouse narrator finds himself caught in a jar! His friends try to save him but get caught too, and they fear the worst, but they’re set free from the jar . . . and into a cardboard Mouse Land. The humans aren’t so bad after all! But, for the final twist, the mice discover there is one last guest to deal with—and it’s even worse than a CAT!
Providing a full interactive picture book experience, Unexpected Guests features a clever gatefold device that reveals the mice in their home under the floorboards, while die cut holes can be found on the front and back cover. These elements elevate the fast-paced and funny story and bring to life Mariajo’s irresistible artwork, resulting in what is sure to become a firm family favourite.
From the internationally best-selling author and illustrator, Mariajo Ilustrajo, comes an interactive page-turner of a picture book. Providing a playful, surprising twist on the classic “unexpected guest” premise, the narrative here is flipped, making humans the unexpected guests in a tale told by mice!
The mice living happily under the floorboards of a house find their peace is disturbed by some unexpected guests . . . humans! The mice are curious about their guests and set out to investigate. They find weird and wonderful human objects and lots of food, so they decide their guests might not be so bad after all – until our intrepid mouse narrator finds himself caught in a jar! His friends try to save him but get caught too, and they fear the worst, but they’re set free from the jar . . . and into a cardboard Mouse Land. The humans aren’t so bad after all! But, for the final twist, the mice discover there is one last guest to deal with—and it’s even worse than a CAT!
Providing a full interactive picture book experience, Unexpected Guests features a clever gatefold device that reveals the mice in their home under the floorboards, while die cut holes can be found on the front and back cover. These elements elevate the fast-paced and funny story and bring to life Mariajo’s irresistible artwork, resulting in what is sure to become a firm family favourite.
MY TIDBITS
The idea of uninvited guests takes a cute twist and leads in unexpected directions in an inviting and, yet, thought-provoking way.
Mice have been enjoying their lives under the floorboards of a long, empty house. When so-called humans move in, everything is flipped on its head. These mice have heard rumors concerning humans, but nothing horribly specific. At first, they are very careful but soon learn that humans have some interesting things and foods, which definitely make mice-life more enjoyable. But humans are also known to be dangerous...and that might cause some issues.
This is a beautifully created picture book with light humor and an enjoyable amount of imagination. The illustrations carry this tale as the energetic mice go through their side of an adventure. Their world grabs attention with antics and heart at the bottom part of the page, while the humans' realm sits towards the top. The idea of 'pests' will probably sit in the back of readers' minds from the beginning, but the cute mice completely win over...and that while later switching into this more dangerous relationship between humans and mice. Or at least, edging on it enough to keep readers wondering what will happen and fear for the mice while also empathizing with the humans. It's an adorable and thought-provoking balance.
The text flows smoothly and enhances each moment while giving it foundation. This creates a lovely read-aloud and even a nice one for beginning readers to grab up on their own, since the images can help them along with the plot. The ending isn't quite what might be expected and keeps the entire read snuggly at the age level.
It's one worth picking up and enjoying.
And here she is...
Mariajo Ilustrajo is an award-winning Spanish illustrator based in the UK. She completed her MA in Children's Illustration from the prestigious Cambridge School of Art, before going on to be crowned the overall winner of the World Illustration Awards. Her debut picture book, Flooded, has been translated into 20 languages and won the Klaus Flugge Prize for Illustration.
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