Vida: The Mice, the Cat, and the Alebrije -- Duncan Tonatiuh, Hardcover

From Sibert Award- and Pura Belpré Medal-winning creator Duncan Tonatiuh comes a highly original fable inspired by Mexican folk art

The city of Mousetepec is a lively place filled with color, music, and alegría (joy). But everything changes one night when the shadow of un gato appears, growing larger and larger until it looms over the whole city. Fiestas are cancelled and the mercado empties as the cat terrorizes the townsfolk.

To save their town, two little mouse siblings--Vida and her brother, Máximo--make a brave plan to scare away the cat after a bright, fantastical creature called an alebrije appears to them in a dream.

Acclaimed author-illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh presents this imaginative fable that will encourage young readers to confront any "shadows" they may face in their lives with a spirit of courage and alegría.

Includes a note on alebrijes, the inspiration behind this fable, glossary, pronunciation guide, and bibliography

Also available: Vida: Los ratones, el gato y el alebrije (Spanish Edition)

Author: Duncan Tonatiuh
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Published: 11/11/2025
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781419764592
Audience: Ages 4-8

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2025

About the Author
Duncan Tonatiuh is an award-winning author-illustrator whose accolades include: a Pura Belpré Medal and multiple Honors, the Robert F. Sibert Medal, the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award, the Américas Award, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award, and multiple Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List selections and New York Times Best Illustrated mentions. Both Mexican and American, Tonatiuh aims to create images and stories that honor the past but are still relevant to people today, especially children. He grew up in and currently lives in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with his wife and children, but travels to the United States often.