The Outermost Mouse by Wolk, Lauren

A tiny-but-mighty little mouse faces down an incoming storm to protect her home. A tribute to courage and the rugged beauty of Cape Cod from Newbery Honor-winning author Lauren Wolk.

"A triumphant tale of defending what you love.″ --Kirkus, starred review

The Outermost Mouse loves her life at the tip of the beach. She has blue sky above and sand as warm and soft as her mother below.

Best of all is the house, a huge nest she has made her own. There are jam-jar posies, lanterns full of gold, and a clock that tick-tocks her to sleep at night.

But a storm is coming. When the sky goes dark and a cold wind rises, the little mouse must do everything she can to protect her home. Even though she's small enough to fit into a teacup, the Outermost Mouse is smart, strong, and brave--and ready to face the wild waves.

Illustrator Kristen Adam brilliantly captures the snug warmth and fierce beauty of the Outermost Mouse's shoreline world in Newbery Honor-winning author Lauren Wolk's glorious tribute to the courage and tenacity of a tiny-but-mighty heroine.

Author: Lauren Wolk
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Published: 05/19/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 8.60h x 10.10w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780593407776
Audience: Ages 4-8

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 02/09/2026
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2026
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 04/01/2026
Booklist 05/01/2026
School Library Journal 05/02/2026 pg. 1

About the Author
Lauren Wolk is an award-winning poet, artist, and novelist. She is the author of Echo Mountain, My Own Lightning, Newbery Honor-winner Wolf Hollow, and Scott O'Dell Award-winner Beyond the Bright Sea. Lauren was born in Baltimore and has since lived in California, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Canada, and Ohio. She now lives with her family on Cape Cod.

Kristen Adam is an illustrator and print & pattern designer based in Portland. Her illustrations have been applied to a wide range of product categories including nursery bedding, apparel, and greeting cards. Her other picture books include The Urban Owls by the host of National Geographic's Extraordinary Birder, Christian Cooper.