If you take a mouse to school, he'll ask you for your lunch box. When you give him your lunch box, he'll want a sandwich to go in it. Then he'll need a notebook and some pencils. He'll probably want to share your backpack, too. The famous mouse from If You Take a Mouse to the Movies and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is back for his first day of school.
Carlene Szostak is a Literacy Champion, speaker, educator, author, and one of the three sisters behind CJ Corki. She is passionate about helping grandparents, parents, and caregivers build children's early literacy skills long before formal schooling begins. Through playful books, reading guides, and family-centered resources, Carlene encourages adults to make reading more interactive, meaningful, and fun.
Her work, including books like The Marshmallow Mystery, is designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and learning in young children. She is also the author of Plan, Organize, R.I.P. and other books for adults focused on legacy, life, and thoughtful preparation for the future. Carlene believes books can do more than entertain. They can prepare children for school, strengthen family relationships, and create lasting impact across generations.
