Henrietta (a Dormouse in case you wondered) stores up food for winter but somehow all her efforts are in vain as various mishaps result in a bare cupboard. But it is her first winter and nobody has told her that when she falls asleep she won't wake until the spring.

The first book I did for The Bodley Head, still working with Lucille my Macdonald editor who had moved to a new publisher. Until recently this was my second most successful book. Ther has been some confusion as to the identity of the type of mouse. In the States she has been thought to be a chipmunk, a harvest mouse and a field mouse. However, none of these creatures hybernate, a unique feature of the European Dormouse. So now you know...

Foreign Editions-Korea, USA, Japan, also published in the French children's magazine 'Blaireau'.

Reviews

Lewis' attractive, dappled style and subtle use of color recall Burningham's work. Henrietta's domestic arrangements are charming; her joyful surprise when she realises that she has hibernated neatly rounds this well-shaped tale. KIRKUS REVIEWS

..A very dear animal story..AMERICAN BOOKSELLER

Engaging...a nice story. JUNIOR BOOKSHELF

Superbly illustrated with a simple storyline, this book will help children understand hibernation en passant. SCHOOL LIBRARIAN

Warm, glowing and colourful illustrations, with simple text. Useful for both story and topic work.

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