Norman the Doorman by Don Freeman is a totally adorable picture book that will delight little ones and the grownups reading aloud to them.

“In front of a small, well-hidden hole around in the back of the Majestic Museum of Art, there once stood a mouse named Norman. Norman was a doorman, and he greeted all the art-loving creatures who came to see the treasures which were kept in the basement of the museum.”

With characteristic crayon illustrations and clever storytelling, Freeman makes us fall in love with Norman the mouse and his love of art. 

“Norman’s only worry was keeping out of sight of the sharp-eyed upstairs guard, who often came to the basement to set traps for mice… As for Norman, he always managed to escape and hide inside an old armored knight’s helmet. Up there, he felt perfectly safe.”

Norman has a passion for art. Not only does he give tours to the animal visitors of the basement museum, but he also does his own painting and sculpture in the off hours. Always careful to avoid the upstairs guard, Norman lives happily in the museum’s basement. 

One day, however, he sees a notice in front of the Majestic Museum of Art advertising an amateur sculpture competition. Norman is sure that this is his chance. He works long hours creating a sculpture masterpiece that is clever and as small as a mouse. And, when no one is looking, he leaves it in with the other submissions. 

What happens next is sweet and fun. All ends just as it should, and we find ourselves wanting more, or at least, to read it again. Just like any good picture book. 

You can find out more about this adorable book at Biblioguides.com. Also, this book is recommended by Sherry Early’s Picture Book Preschool guide.