Rebecca Atanassova is the author of the new children's picture book George the Mouse in a Log Pile House. Her many other books include Your Heart Can Hold the Whole Universe.
Q: What inspired you to write George the Mouse in a Log Pile House, and how did you create your character George?
A: Actually, Simon Dell, a wildlife photographer in Sheffield, England, is the creator behind George The Mouse. He had a real-life encounter with a wild mouse after mowing his lawn one day in 2018. As Simon sat drinking lemonade, the little mouse curiously peeked through the grass at him.
Simon is very aware and caring of the world around him, and he noticed the mouse with a small notch in his ear. He offered the mouse a peanut. This happened every day for a few days, and Simon named him George. He realized George was there to stay.
Simon built George a house with a coconut shell door in a log pile in his backyard - or, as they say in England, his back garden.
Soon, word got out in the mouse community, and many mice arrived. The village grew and grew, and it is still growing and changing everyday thanks to Simon’s skilled handiwork and imagination. He has created little scenes that the mice interact with and it is so, so darling!
Simon shared his photographs and videos on social media, and George The Mouse now has fans around the world. The village has been featured in People magazine and in all sorts of media outlets.
Alissa Hansen, a fine artist, was drawn to the adorableness of mouse village life and began painting George for enjoyment. She shared her paintings with Simon, and they struck up a friendship of their own, collaborating on calendars and other projects.
Simon told Alissa that his dream was to have a children’s book about George The Mouse for his grandchildren one day, and he would love for her to illustrate it. Alissa and Simon had just discussed the book project when I happened to call Alissa about illustrating one of my books.
Alissa and I had met through a co-op group our children belonged to. We were friendly, but not close friends, and she wasn’t aware that I write. When I approached her about working together, she said, “You write books? Remember George The Mouse? I was just tasked with finding an author for a book about him.”
I said, “I’m happy to give it a go and see if I’m a good fit for the project.” And here we are, more than three years later. Years of fun and collaboration. Hard work, effort, and learning.
We had the opportunity to team up with wonderful editors and a fabulous book designer/art director, Christine Kettner. Christine designed a few of my kids’ favorite books like The Doll People and Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. We didn’t dream it would become this big when it started.
The other day, we watched a video of Simon’s granddaughter seeing the book for the first time. It was a very fulfilling moment. Very full circle.
Q: How would you describe the relationship between George and Mr. Tographer?
A: The relationship in the story is a creative take on Simon’s role in real life.
In reality, Simon cares for and provides for George and his friends. Simon goes out into the forests and fields near his home, gathering seeds and berries the mice would like. He makes them peanut butter and works to keep their little homes snug and safe.
Simon is the basis for the character of Mr. Tographer, which is mouse-speak for “Mr. Photographer.” So, Mr. Tographer is a mouse-whisperer of sorts. He is in tune with nature and the small living things around him, and he treats them respectfully and with care.
Mr. Tographer is almost like a grandfatherly figure, a faithful friend, and someone George and the mice can always rely on. George is safe with this “hooman.” George recognizes this soon after meeting Mr. Tographer and knows this is the place where he belongs.
Q: What do you think Alissa Hansen’s illustrations add to the story?
A: Alissa’s illustrations give the book a rich, classic look that you can only achieve with traditional watercolor technique. She has a heart for what is good and gentle, and that is reflected in her work. Other artists and readers have said it has a “Beatrix Potter-esque” look to it. I would agree with that assessment. It was what drew me to her artwork in the first place.
Alissa’s whimsical and detailed illustrations truly draw a reader into the world of George The Mouse and the Log Pile Village.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the book?
A: We hope to reach readers on several levels with George The Mouse in a Log Pile House. First, it is exposure to beautiful art and language.
Beyond that, curious and brave little George shares the message, “Follow your whiskers. Your whiskers will lead you home.” We think following your intuition - your heart - is important. Caring for the humblest of creatures and their habitats, and noticing the world around you, are also valuable ideas for children.
Taking a step into a peaceful place of kindness? It’s a retreat for the mind and imagination. Kids can build onto the story in their own ways and in their own play.
Q: What are you working on now? Will there be more stories about George?
A: So far, I have written nine books for a George The Mouse in a Log Pile House series. The world Simon has created gives me a multitude of wonderful angles and ideas to draw from. There are so many new friends to meet and adventures yet to come!
I have also written over 100 treatments, or complete story ideas with heart, that, in the right hands, would make the most beautiful animated series focusing on kindness, creativity, and community. The Log Pile Village also has its own newspaper, which we will be sharing, among other surprises.
I have other books that are entering the educational market. That really makes my heart happy - to reach children through the written word.
Alissa is illustrating a truly lovely and sensitive picture book right now for families experiencing the NICU.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: We hope readers especially enjoy the village map. It was a joy working on the details - the street names, the homes. I had written several George books before we got to the map, so we planned the village map with the future in mind. The Log Pile Village is truly where kindness grows.
The world of George The Mouse welcomes everyone. (Unless you’re a cat, of course.)
We hope to see you all there!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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