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the_herbal_carnivore's review against another edition
4.0
While my eldest thought it was a little boring, my younger two enjoyed listening and thought it was a good story. I thought it was a cute and enjoyed this delightful mouse story. I also loved the book was filled with lovely drawings throughout. I don't usually like talking animal books a whole lot but for some reason I thought this was a cute story.
annalisenak97's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
A sweet little book with sweet little illustrations, heavy handed morals (which are all about friendship so ITS FINE), and also IMMEDIATE DEATH. OFTEN THERE IS DEATH. (I don't know why it surprises me anymore that there is death in children's books. Honestly I think it's a good thing, kids need to learn about hard stuff in safe environments.) This story is loosely rooted in historical events, specifically Audubon, but there isn't much of a plot. The illustrations really carry this story, and Celeste is such a snugglebug
mollyrschaefer9's review against another edition
Adventure! - 3-5 and transitional readers
wrentheblurry's review
3.0
I'd give this one closer to 3.5 stars since it made me cry at the end (out of how sweet it was, not out of tragedy).
I had just come out of months of reading the Skulduggery Pleasant series to the boys, and I found the transition to this title difficult. After all those weeks of nearly non-stop action, humor that both myself and the boys enjoyed and bonding with the characters, this title was so different.
It's cuteness I initially found corny and annoying, though by the end it had grown on me. There is some action, though it is tame compared to SP; it involves rats, battling the elements and of course, since a mouse is the main character, a cat. I didn't find it funny in the least. Yet the included sketches and pictures of the characters are so lovely and enjoyable, it's difficult not to come to care for this little mouse.
I liked the friendship Celeste and the young man had, as well as her interactions with other animals. I hadn't read a fiction title with so much detail about drawing and painting before, and that was an interesting addition. What I didn't like was the slow pace, the predictability of the story and the characters and the lack of humor.
This is probably better for younger kids, though neither of my boys ever asked me to not read it (maybe they knew that was futile?), so I will recommend with the above reservations. And again, it did make me cry, and even though that is possibly due to hormones, I respect a book that can do that.
I had just come out of months of reading the Skulduggery Pleasant series to the boys, and I found the transition to this title difficult. After all those weeks of nearly non-stop action, humor that both myself and the boys enjoyed and bonding with the characters, this title was so different.
It's cuteness I initially found corny and annoying, though by the end it had grown on me. There is some action, though it is tame compared to SP; it involves rats, battling the elements and of course, since a mouse is the main character, a cat. I didn't find it funny in the least. Yet the included sketches and pictures of the characters are so lovely and enjoyable, it's difficult not to come to care for this little mouse.
I liked the friendship Celeste and the young man had, as well as her interactions with other animals. I hadn't read a fiction title with so much detail about drawing and painting before, and that was an interesting addition. What I didn't like was the slow pace, the predictability of the story and the characters and the lack of humor.
This is probably better for younger kids, though neither of my boys ever asked me to not read it (maybe they knew that was futile?), so I will recommend with the above reservations. And again, it did make me cry, and even though that is possibly due to hormones, I respect a book that can do that.
norakatlynhensley's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
janareviewsfromthestacks's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Goodness, I love this book.
This juvenile historical fiction book earns five stars from me. The themes of friendship, trust, and creativity are well developed and fit nicely with the portrayal of Audubon even as the book tackles the complicated nature of his art. It doesn’t shy away from the pain caused to the animals, but it is presented in a way that should not be overwhelming to children. Celeste is such an innocent and empathetic character and I think that readers of all ages will enjoy following along with her. I recommend A Nest for Celeste to readers who enjoy historical fiction set in the 1800s, children’s books from an animal’s perspective, and simply good stories.
<i>Extended review posted on my blog, <a href="https://reviewsfromthestacks.wordpress.com/2021/11/12/childrens-book-review-a-nest-for-celeste-by-henry-cole/">Reviews From the Stacks</a>.</i>
This juvenile historical fiction book earns five stars from me. The themes of friendship, trust, and creativity are well developed and fit nicely with the portrayal of Audubon even as the book tackles the complicated nature of his art. It doesn’t shy away from the pain caused to the animals, but it is presented in a way that should not be overwhelming to children. Celeste is such an innocent and empathetic character and I think that readers of all ages will enjoy following along with her. I recommend A Nest for Celeste to readers who enjoy historical fiction set in the 1800s, children’s books from an animal’s perspective, and simply good stories.
<i>Extended review posted on my blog, <a href="https://reviewsfromthestacks.wordpress.com/2021/11/12/childrens-book-review-a-nest-for-celeste-by-henry-cole/">Reviews From the Stacks</a>.</i>
sarahcvo's review against another edition
2.0
The illustrations were beautiful, but the story wasn't very compelling. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I were in the target audience (3rd-5th graders). At that age, I loved "Ben & Me" by Robert Lawson and "The Cricket in Times Square" by George Selden, which also feature animal protagonists interacting with humans. Still, I remember caring more about Amos the mouse and Chester Cricket than I did about Celeste.
ksoreads's review against another edition
3.0
A cute, quick read about a mouse learning to find home with the help of a few new friends she meets along the way.