A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home

A fanciful history lesson for middle graders, featuring a charming mouse named Celeste.

Celeste is a mouse who is looking for a home. Is it nestled in the toe of a warm boot? In the shirt pocket of Celeste’s new friend Joseph? Or is home the place deep inside Celeste’s heart, where friendships live?

Beautifully illustrated with hundreds of black-and-white drawings, A Nest for Celeste is a short novel that tells the story a mouse living in the 1800s and his friendship with John James Audubon’s young apprentice. While enjoying this sweet amd appealing story, young readers will also learn about nineteenth-century plantation life and the famous naturalist who was known for his paintings of birds and American wildlife.

Celeste is a mouse who is looking for a home.

Is it nestled in the toe of a warm boot?

In the shirt pocket of Celeste’s new friend Joseph, who is Audubon’s apprentice?

Or is home the place deep inside Celeste’s heart, where friendships live?

“With a twist of a pencil nub and a turn of a phrase, Henry Cole brings Audubon to life on the page; the story of tender Celeste will charm the naturalist and fantasist alike.” - Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked and Matchless

“I have long been an admirer of Henry Cole’s contribution to children’s literature. With this first novel, he weaves a tale that, in addition to his delightful illustrations, has all the best ingredients—a sense of history, time-honored themes, and just the right amount of imagination.” - Julie Andrews, author of Mandy, The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, and Little Bo

“A rare gift: a novel with artwork as whole and vital as a picture book’s.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“The softly shaded pencil drawings bring the story to life through Cole’s exceptional ability to imbue animals with personality.” - ALA Booklist

“Evocative illustrations, compelling characters, and thoughtful reflections on the nature of home combine to powerful effect.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)