Vida: The Mice, the Cat, and the Alebrije
By (Author) Duncan Tonatiuh
Abrams
Abrams Books for Young Readers
13th November 2025
United States
Children
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage fiction: General, modern and contemporary fiction
Hardback
48
Width 229mm, Height 254mm
From Sibert Award and Pura Belpre Medalwinning creator Duncan Tonatiuh comes a highly original fable inspired by Mexican folk art
The city of Mousetepec is a lively place filled with color, music, and alegra (joy). But everything changes one night when the shadow of un gato appears, growing larger and larger until it looms over the whole city. Fiestas are cancelled and the mercado empties as the cat terrorizes the townsfolk.
To save their town, two little mouse siblingsVida and her brother, Mximomake a brave plan to scare away the cat after a bright, fantastical creature called an alebrije appears to them in a dream.
Acclaimed author-illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh presents this imaginative fable that will encourage young readers to confront any shadows they may face in their lives with a spirit of courage and alegra.
Includes a note on alebrijes, the inspiration behind this fable, glossary, pronunciation guide, and bibliography
Also available: Vida: Los ratones, el gato y el alebrije (Spanish Edition)
***STARRED REVIEW***
"Tonatiuh expertly maintains a brisk pace that engages and tickles. His familiar pre-Columbian-flavored artwork beautifully complements this simply told yet moving fable of collective resistance, boasting bursts of color and provocative shadows across splendid double-page spreads...Utterly mesmerizing."
Duncan Tonatiuh is an award-winning author-illustrator whose accolades include: a Pura Belpr Medal and multiple Honors, the Robert F. Sibert Medal, the Toms Rivera Mexican American Childrens Book Award, the Amricas Award, the Jane Addams Childrens Book Award, and multiple Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List selections and New York Times Best Illustrated mentions. Both Mexican and American, Tonatiuh aims to create images and stories that honor the past but are still relevant to people today, especially children. He grew up in and currently lives in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with his wife and children, but travels to the United States often.