THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED! THANKS FOR READING AND PARTICIPATING!
Please check out the book, and if you love it, leave a review on Amazon! Great reviews help the book get recommended to those who search!
Would you love to win a copy of Mr. Mehan's Mildly Amusing Mammals*? We are giving away two copies here and one on Instagram!
*Links for the book are affiliate links! A small amount of change comes our way when you buy using the link! Thanks!
It's been a while now that we've been watching the progress of this project, although I never saw anything like the whole thing together until my copy arrived. Little hands took it away from me promptly, and before I knew it a little someone was coming into my sewing room to recite whole chunks!
That is the kind of book this is.
Readers here know that I am picky picky picky, not only about endorsing books but about in general saying that something new is worth your time and money. I like things that have stood the test of time… most often I find that new books want to circumvent the necessary “hidden” quality that art must have. They rationalistically move directly to the message. “We can't do the indirect thing anymore,” they assert. “Things are too far gone. We have to tell people — especially children — the bare facts of things.”
I couldn't disagree more. The more in crisis the world is, the more it needs art and beauty! And the more it has to trust in a slow process of building up a sense of what is fitting… and the more it needs the attraction of the Good, the pull towards something it can't quite name. Delight heals more than precept, the worse off we find ourselves.
This is what is attempted in this book. Only time can tell if Matt Mehan and John Folley have succeeded. But the depth of what we have here makes me hopeful for the slow rebuilding of our culture.
The book reminds me most of Edward Lear (Calico Pie was an early favorite of mine), although many have mentioned Dr. Suess. I also thought of Lewis Carroll, of course — his Jabberwocky lyrics get a nod in M5.
Take The Plee:
Consider the sound of a billion bees,
Then add the crash of a thousand seas,
Next imagine the blue jay's scream,
But times'd by twelve, or so it would seem;
Add to that a piglet's squeal,
Only louder, like a siren's peal,
And then you've just begun to see
how loud the tiny Plee can be.
Frankly, and with all due respect to the poet, and with apologies for my bias towards a family member, I find it amazing that the same Artist who can do this can also come up with these fantastically unique and delightful illustrations for M5. I think we can look forward to so much more, don't you?
Although the book is so reasonably priced for the high quality production that it is (poetry! art! erudition! definitions! wit! wisdom!), I know that you would also appreciate a chance to win a copy. So here you go — just leave a comment here and we will choose two winners at random next week.
You can also go to my Instagram account to enter for a third chance to win! Details on that post!
Enter your comment here for a chance to win Mr. Mehan's Mildly Amusing Mythical Mammals!
GAIN MORE CHANCES TO WIN (and help us spread the word!):
- Share this giveaway post on your own Facebook page (but please, to be fair, be sure your settings are for all your friends)
- Share on Instagram
- Email your list serve (homeschooling group, church list, etc. — again, please play fair and use an actual list with your friends on it)
- “Like” the M5 Facebook page if you haven't already
For every way you share, please leave another comment here — that enters you again!
We will pick two winners at random!
Thank you!!
Kansas Mom says
I’d love a copy!
Kim Haren says
How wonderful! This book sounds like it would be a great addition to our poetry tea time.
Susan says
Thank you for this post — the book looks delightful! And, with five grandsons (ages 6 and under), a baby granddaughter due in early September, and another grandchild debuting in early January, I can’t think of anything more indispensable to this grandnanny than a wonderful children’s book to enthrall the imaginations and eyes of our growing brood.
Lilyan says
This book looks brilliant! We would love to add it to our homeschool library and the big kids read it to our toddler twins!
Kristi says
I would love to win a copy! Did you know it is temporarily out of stock on Amazon?? Already seems to be very popular!
Rebecca says
That book looks adorable!!! I know my kiddos would love it!
Kristen says
Thanks for the chance to win!
Heather says
Absolutely delightful! Santa brings books each Christmas, and I am sure he will bring this one, whether we win it or not.
elizabeth says
This looks wonderful.
Renata S Sommerville says
Looks delightful!
thebroussardbuzz says
I’ve been looking forward to this book coming out so long! It’ll be just in time for my little one to actually understand it 🙂
Natalie says
Would love a copy – thanks for the chance to win!
melissaatlee says
I would LOVE a copy! Thank you!
Victoria says
That book looks lovely! My toddler is really into poetry right now, so I’m sure she’d love it!
Emily Hess says
Looks so neat! Would love a copy!
Amanda says
I was just showing this book to my husband (after TAN sent out the email advertising it). It looks like such a wonderful book, and I would love to win it! 🙂
Amanda says
I hope I’m doing this correctly to enter, but I also shared this on Facebook.
Hannah Jasmine Hilgendorf says
I can’t wait to see this book in person and share it with my kids!
Sarah says
We’d love a chance to win a copy! Thank you!
Kirsten says
Oh, what a wonderful looking book! Thank you for the opportunity to win it.
Heather says
Thanks for the chance to win! I think we’d love this book!
Heather says
Shared on my facebook!
Heather says
Liked the facebook page! Thank you again and congratulations on selling out Amazon!
Carly Orris says
Thank you for the recommendation and the chance to win!
Therese Cross says
My 26 year old son, sighting the book, responded, “I’m not one to buy kid’s books, but I want that one.” He ordered it and it arrived today— It is amazing!
Teresa says
Sounds delightful, I’ll enter the drawing, and share on FB
Joel Craig Berrier says
This book looks amazing! It’s on my 4 year old’s Amazon wish list now, for a birthday in September. 🙂
Virginia says
I entered on Instagram!
Sarah Mason says
Thanks for the chance to win! I would love to win a copy!
mandamum says
I’m glad the book is out! Fascinating to see a tiny bit of the process of illustrating a children’s book so beautifully. We would love to win one 🙂
Juliana @ Urban Simplicity says
We’d love a copy! Thanks for a great opportunity!
Betsy G. says
I am already thinking about how many copies I need for Christmas presents!
Cristina Reintjes says
This looks amazing 💕
Shyla says
Sharing on Facebook!!
Kelly H. says
What a labor of love this must have been for them! I am very happy they could see it to fruition. How delightful that it’s already sold out (temporarily 😊). Please sign me up for a chance to win!
Piper says
This book looks absolutely delightful!! Thanks for the opportunity!
Piper says
This is to correct my email address…oops!
Amanda says
This looks like a lovely book!
Madeline says
This looks delightful! I’d love a copy for my little ones!
Elizabeth Anne says
I would love to win this book!
Barbara Juneau says
Will definitely check this gem out…would love to win a copy for grandson, Joseph, an avid 10 year old reader
Rebecca Solomon says
This book sounds fantastic! I’m definitely adding it to my wishlist! ☺️
Rebecca Solomon says
Shared on Facebook!
Lynn Osborne says
How totally wonderful. Thanks for the sneak peak at Plee! And thanks for the chance to win!
Rebecca Solomon says
Following the Facebook page!
KB says
Would love to win a copy!
Rebecca says
Looks like such a fun book, and a great gift idea for anyone who loves good art and poetry, not just kids!
marandkap says
My first grandbaby is due on Sunday and I’ve been thinking that this is exactly what I want to give him on his BIRTH day (whenever that actually happens!). Just yesterday I bought Little Oratory for his Mommy and Daddy to celebrate the occasion. Wouldn’t those two books make just the nicest set?
Margie says
Beautiful.
Lisa Joy says
Looks like a lovely book!
Rachel says
I was just reading Lewis Carroll’s The Walrus and the Carpenter to my children before bed…well, reciting it mostly, it was my favorite as a child, and I still remember every word! I would love to get a copy of the Artist’s book! I think it would be right up our alley!
Anne Marie Mahoney says
Delightful! New, quality children books are hard to come by!
Meg says
Looks like a great book! I’d love to share it with my littles.
Erin says
Congratulations on a project well completed! I’d love to win one, and if not, it’s on my book wish list!
Monica Olsen says
A perfect addition to our weekly poetry memorization/recitation tea parties! I hope I win!
Donna L. says
I’d love a chance to win this~Congratulations to The Artist & Family!
Liz says
I’d love a copy! The art looks so beautiful
Monica Olsen says
I just posted on Facebook. 😀 also- I’m pretty sure I misspelled my email address above. This one is correct.
Laura S. says
I’d love to win a copy! Thanks for the giveaway!
Mary Ann Van Atta says
I look forward to sharing this beautiful book with my grandchildren!
Kim F. says
Would love a copy! I’m always looking for wonderful picture books to add to our collection. God Bless!
Mignon says
Entering for a chance to win! If Mr. Mehan’s poems are as good as the fun songs he used to make up in grad school, it would be a pleasure to own a copy.
Jody says
I’d love a chance to win a copy! I loved Lear as a child – this just looks fun!
katycarl says
Shared on Facebook, thanks for the chance! 🙂
Lillian Bielinski says
Wonderful, my boys would love this!
Lillian Bielinski says
I also shared with friends on FB for another entry… thanks!
Jennifer Dougherty says
I’d love a copy for our homeschool library!
Jennifer says
I shared on FB!!
Alicia says
Thanks for
Ash A says
Looks like a great book!
Jennifer says
There is great love for the vaquita porpoise in my home.
Diana says
Congratulations on the completion of a wonderful product!
Nanci Keatley says
I’d love to win one if these!! With all the young married couples we know who are starting families, this would be a marvelous gift!!
Susan (DE) says
Well, I have eight grandchildren, so I think it could be well-used here. 🙂 My FAVORITE part of the above blog piece is seeing two of your precious grandbabies! Thank you!
Angie says
What a beautiful book! Would love to add to our library!
Melissa Morgan says
This looks great!
Melanie says
I’m intrigued. I think my kids would love this book.
Becka says
This looks like a beautiful book!
Molly R says
What a beautiful book!
Jenn says
That book looks awesome!!
Beth says
This looks so delightful—thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Annie says
Sweet! The author is coming to our kids’ school to do a talk and book signing on Saturday—wish the illustrator could be there too!
Meaghan says
Congratulations on such a beautiful book! I’d love to win.
Suzanne says
I’d love a copy!
Amanda says
This book looks so charming! I would love to win a copy but if not, I know where my amazon points will soon be spent. 😉
Kristen Roper says
I’m excited to check it out!
Kristen Roper says
Also shared on Facebook 🙂
Christina A says
Liked the Facebook page, and would love to win this book!
Christina A says
Thank you for sponsoring this giveaway!
Nancy says
We need quality books for children! Very few are being published…I hope the author and artist will keep on creating books for our children (me=grandchildren).
Sarah says
I would love a delightful book like this to read to my crew of 5. It looks like the kind of book that my ten yr. old would still listen to, and my babies will love.
Annie Darby says
Thank you for this opportunity. The book looks beautiful . I would love to win a copy and will continue to watch for the restock on Amazon. -Annie
rozylass says
An alphabet book with fabulous art and lyrical poetry–sign me up! ABC books are some of my favorite, and I have a whole stack of them. I’m envious of all the authors’ and artists’ wonderful imagination.
Katie says
It looks like a beautiful book! Would love to read it.. Thank you.
rozylass says
I shared this post on Facebook with all my family and friends, some of whom are also homeschoolers. Keep up the good work!
Laura says
That look likes a book my family would adore! We’d love to own a copy!
Jennifer H says
Would love to win a copy!
Jennifer says
Shared on FB with my friends list!
Jennifer says
Liked the Mr. Mehan’s FB page!
Rachael says
I would love for my kids to have this!
Rachael says
I liked the M5 Facebook page.
Ona says
Been following the progress of this book, would love to win a copy for grandboy! Thanks!
Erica says
My children and I would love adding this book to our collection!
Lynn Wright says
It’s a beautiful book and my kids would love a copy!
Lynn Wright says
Just shared on FB! Thanks!
Jayne says
The book looks beautiful! I know my young boys would love a family copy! Thanks for the giveaway : )
Catie H says
It looks wonderful!!
Rita Helen says
Looks awsome, my boys aren’t quite old enough yet for it but they will be soon!
Rita Helen says
Shared to facebook ☺
Hannah Martin says
Congratulations on the release of this wonderful book! I will either win one or buy one!
Kiera says
My children and I would love a copy. Thank you!
Natalie Brankin says
We have a copy and simply adore it! Now I plan to order more for all our godchildren. 😀 (Or maybe I’ll get lucky and win a copy?) Congrats!
Clara Coleman says
I would love to win this. :).
Jillian says
I would love a copy to read to my new Godchild! 💗
Ebeere says
I would love a copy of the book.
Ramona W Trabue says
Oh, my little Fergus would love this! Beautiful illustrations PLUS poetry! Thanks. I’ll be buying if I don’t win.
Caitlin Aksak says
What a lovely book! We are poetry and beautiful illustration junkies here- this would be a delight to win!
Denise says
This looks lovely.
allthetripletts says
Looks adorable! We’ll definitely be checking to see if we can get it from our library. Thanks for the book recommendation!
Woman of the House says
The book looks wonderful! I’d love to share it with my grandchildren!
Woman of the House says
I liked the Facebook page too. Thanks!
Katie says
Would love to win a copy!
Mary says
I’d love to win a copy of this book!!
Jen says
It looks like a delightful book!
Anne Marie says
Sounds wonderful…congrats!!
Anne Marie says
{Liked m5 on fb}
Eireann Roisin says
This would be an awesome addition to our library, but also a great idea as a gift for children!
Lucia says
This book looks just great. I would love to have one copy too!
Emily says
Thank you of the chance to win! The book looks beautiful!
Jenny B says
This looks lovely. I would love to win!
Melissa Morris says
We homeschool and do poetry teatime once a week. This looks like a perfect companion.
Melisa says
Wow! Lots of comments here today. 🙂 I sure would like to have a copy of this for our library.
God bless!
Melisa
wanderingpen says
The book looks delightful!
BridgetAnn says
Thanks for the chance! Congrats to the Folleys for reaching publication!
Kathryn says
Thank you for answering my question. I would like a chance to win this beautiful book to share with my children. Thanks again!
Deb H. says
Looks delightful!
Jeanie says
A lovely read-aloud book!
Kate Hollmann says
This book looks absolutely fabulous!
-Kate
Katy Presnell says
This looks like a delightfully fun book to read with my children. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Theresa says
Looks like an interesting book! Would love to add it to my home library to read to my two girls!
Lisa says
I would love to win this book!
cellista says
I’d love to win a copy!
Kate says
Looks amazing!
Marie says
The book looks positively delightful!
Stephanie Muecke says
I’d love to add this to our homeschool collection!
Briana says
It’s on my wish list!
Kristy says
This looks wonderful! It is on our wish list. My youngest daughter loves animals and we all love poetry!
Kari Brane says
I requested it at our library!
Ellie says
Looks like a book my kids would love! I shared this page on FB.
Ellie says
I liked M5 on FB!
Ellie says
Thanks for the chance to win. This book is definitely on my Christmas wishlist!
Anamaria says
Yes would like to win!
Rebecca Millette says
We would love to win a copy! I’ve already been telling friends about it from your posts and pictures.
Laura says
Looks beautiful! Thank you!
Lindsey says
This looks so fun! I’d love a copy. 🙂
Clare says
Would love to have this book!
Rosebud says
My whole family would love this!
Barbara says
I would love to own this book!
Melissa says
Wow! I’m really picky too, but this does sound great!
Mary B says
I’m adding this to my gift ideas for nephews and nieces!
Fiona says
Do you think it will every be available at Barnes and Noble? Our public library will buy pretty much anything we request but ONLY if can be purchased through B and N!
Leila says
Yes, it is available there!
Maura says
Love the book!!!
Maura says
Like the facebook page!
Maura says
Shared on facebook.
thelexicalform says
This would make a lovely Christmas present (September is coming right up!) for a young family I know.
Nichole S says
I would love to add this beautiful book to our collection!
Nichole S says
I shared this post. 🙂
Nichole S says
I liked the fb page. 🙂
Laurel says
We would love to win a copy of the book! It looks fantastic!!