have something to love

Inspired to Be Better by Word of Mouse

It’s not often that you can pick up a book —about a mouse— and feel inspired to make the world a better place.

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Yet James Patterson’s newest illustrated middle-grade story, Word of Mouse, follows the illuminating journey of one very special mouse: Isaiah… who will inspire us all.

Word of Mouse - James Patterson

Word of Mouse

What makes Isaiah so unique? First, his fur is as blue as the sky —which until recently was something he’d never seen, but had read all about.

Yes! Isaiah can read and write. He can also talk to humans…if any are willing to listen!

After a dramatic escape from a mysterious laboratory, Isaiah is separated from his “mischief” (which is the word for a mouse family), and has to use his special skills to survive in the dangerous outdoors, and hopefully find his missing family.

But in a world of cruel cats, hungry owls, and terrified people, it’s hard for a young, lone mouse to make it alone.

When he meets an equally unusual and lonely human girl named Hailey, the two soon learn that true friendship can transcend all barriers.

It’s very important to have something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.”

—Isaiah, Chapter 17

As you join Isaiah on his journey, you discover small pieces of wisdom, such as the quote above, at the beginning of each chapter in Word of Mouse.

Each one is full of great knowledge to motivate you towards being a better person. Upon reading all 59 words to live by throughout the book, it was difficult to choose a favorite.

Each one was powerful and contained an entire life lesson in just a few short words.

Sticks held together in a bundle are unbreakable

With two middle school girls in our home at the moment, I was intrigued by Isaiah’s story and the insight he was able to share with Hailey.

The middle school years are tough to navigate, yet Isaiah was able to find the words needed to make the journey a little easier. Family and true friends can be the stronghold we need to embrace whatever may come our way.

In chapter 56, Isaiah reminds us that, “Sticks held together in a bundle are unbreakable.” How true we find that to be in life. We need others to hold us up and encourage us when life tries to bring us down.

Fortunately, our girls have a relationship that fosters love between sisters.

have something to love

When I focus on Isaiah’s words from chapter 17, I think about our family more as a unit. These astute words from such a modest mouse have tremendous meaning. Adopting them into our home seems the right thing to do.

Thinking about each phrase and how it relates to our lives puts everything into perspective:

“…have something to do”

As a family, we choose to live with purpose. To bring kindness and love to others in a way that they are uplifted and inspired to continue the trend.

To live simply and yet give more freely. To always give God the glory for things we do.

something to love - sisters

“…something to love”

The easy part when it starts inside the home is to find something to love. I love my family first and the love reciprocated by them gives me the courage and understanding to share love with others. Beyond each other, we love to laugh during our times together.

“…something to hope for”

When you’re a parent, there is always something to hope for. My hope for each of my children is that they grow into kind, generous adults with humble hearts.

That all of their biggest dreams come true and that they never forget the life from which they came.

something to hope for

Wow! All are motivated through the Word of Mouse —which can never be broken.