Parents' Guide to

Stuart Little

Book E.B. White Fantasy 1945
Stuart Little Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Jessica Pierce , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 6+

Excellent bridge from chapter books to novels.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 6+?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 7 parent reviews

lengelhardt
lengelhardt Adult
June 9, 2019
age 5+

I just finished 1st grade and I think it's the best book ever!

I thought the book was funny. My favorite part was when he said, "I wish I didn't have to die with egg on my pants and butter on my cap and gravy on my shirt and orange pulp in my ear and banana peel wrapped around my middle." It made me laugh.
ckl4d
ckl4d Adult
August 1, 2013
age 7+

wonderful story, beautifully written...with a caveat

This is my all time favorite book. However, the ending for some children can be wrenching. There's no resolution. As adults we know Stuart's "heading in the right direction" but for a child Stuart is heading out alone in the world...his parents left behind, and his beloved Margelo still lost. The aloneness in the world and the searching for something that may never be found can be terribly sad for some children.
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What's the Story?

A mouse goes cross-country to seek his fortune and find a lost friend, falling into adventure after adventure along the way. His cheerful ingenuity always saves him from danger. From outwitting a cat to surviving an afternoon of substitute teaching, Stuart always knows just what to do. One of White's three classic animal stories, Stuart has captivated generations of children.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (7 ):
Kids say (6 ):

STUART LITTLE has grabbed kids' attentions and imaginations for years, and for good reason. E.B. White's clever wording and quick descriptions make Stuart irresistible. The book shows that determination and courage, not size, are what make a true hero. Inventive thinking and quick action are what allow a mouse to defeat a hungry cat, escape a garbage truck which has carried him away, and make his way in a human-sized world.

Throughout his series of fun, unpredictable adventures, Stuart shows that he is a noble mouse. Short chapters and quick, funny stories will help kids feel comfortable reading on their own. The vocabulary is slightly dated and may be challenging to younger readers, but the context usually makes the meaning clear.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Stuart is such an appealing character to root for in this story.

  • How is he heroic?

  • How is he challenged because of his size?

Book Details

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