Beautifully illustrated with watercolor paintings, this story is written for 5 to 8 year olds. While Auntie is setting traps, to put an end to a suspected mouse in her tidy house, the child, Nicki, has discovered and befriended the mouse, who is nesting in her sock drawer. Auntie lectures about the details required to run a proper household, and Nicki notes that the mouse is demonstrating each of the traits that Auntie describes. Tiny squeaks announce the arrival of five baby mice. Tension builds as Nicki feeds the mouse and protects it from traps while Auntie becomes more determined in her mission. Finally, Nicki must take action to find a creative, permanent solution. The message suggests finding practical, compassionate ways to cohabitate with earth's creatures.