“Where there’s a mouse, there’s a way,” says Louie LaSurie. But it will take more than lofty words for Louie to achieve his goal: to be the first mouse to play for France in the World Cup soccer tournament.

World Cup Mouse is a comic, action-filled tale of friendship and pursuing one’s dream even when it seems impossible. For example, how can Louie ever manage to kick a human-sized soccer ball and not just the dried pea with which he has been practicing? How can he avoid getting squished by the thrashing feet of the giant humans? And can he overcome his own self-doubts and fiery temper? Aided by his best friend, François, and the human girl, Rose, Louie gives it his best shot.

Publish Date May 2014, Catalyst Group, LLC. Paperback, 148 pages, 8.5" x 5.5" Ages 7 to 10, and a great read aloud for younger kids.

Author: Richard Seidman is a member of SCBWI, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and a founding member of a local children’s book writing critique group. He compiled and edited a nonfiction children’s book for Benchmark Education, I Am Deaf and I Dance: A Memoir. He is also the author of several screenplays for family films, including an adaptation of World Cup Mouse. He lives in Ashland, Oregon with his beloved wife, Rachael Resch, their chickens, and their myriad stuffed animals and other small friends.

Richard writes: “I write middle grade fiction for 7 to 12 year-olds. My belief is that stories can be sacred and renew and invigorate life. My life purpose is to cultivate the Spirit of Play through stories and jokes in order to enrich life for children and adults.”