Full Mouse, Empty Mouse

The Backstory

In 1999, as EDIN was expanding its prevention efforts into schools, Dina searched for a way to talk to young kids about the issues related to eating problems. She discovered that, despite all the media hoopla about childhood obesity and anorexia, there were NO children’s storybooks about eating and body image issues. She penned a poem about two mice and began reading the story to kids at local schools. Not only did the kids “get it,” but teachers and parents were grateful to have a simple way to discuss complex food- and body-related issues with their kids.

On a lark, she sent the poem to her father, who passed it on to Dr. David Elpern. Elpern knew “just the guy” to illustrate the story: his brother-in-law, Brian Boyd, a talented artist and graphic designer in Toronto. When Dina saw Brian’s detailed sketches of her mouse family, she knew they were on to something. In 2007, the book was published by Magination Press, the children’s book publishing house of the American Psychological Association. It won the Gold Moonbeam Award in the Children’s Wellness Category and iParenting Media’s Best New Product of 2007 award.

About Full Mouse, Empty Mouse

The story follows the adventures of two mice who use food in an effort to cope with stress. Billy Blue overeats for emotional comfort while Sally Rose under-eats in an attempt to be small and safe. While Billy is teased for being fat, his sister is admired for her tiny body. Their parents are baffled by the changes in their children, but their wise aunt teaches them to listen to their bodies, reach out to caring adults and express their feelings in healthy ways. Through his vivid illustrations, Brian captured the adventures of the mouse family in lush detail. With vibrant colors and humorous embellishments, Brian created a rich and fanciful mouse world, deepening the emotional elements of the story with his sensitive touch.

To learn more or to purchase the book or the musical, visit www.fmem.net.