Mrs. Murphy's Marvelous Mansion

Image of Mrs. Murphy's Marvelous Mansion
Release Date: 
December 12, 2006
Publisher/Imprint: 
Illumination Arts Publishing Company
Pages: 
75
Reviewed by: 

 Illumination Arts, March 2006 Mrs. Murphy happily lives on a very fine street. Her snooty neighbors make fun of her little house and do not pay her any attention. When a contest for the Very Finest Neighborhood is posted at their block, the residents decide to dress up their street to make it prettier. They also want Mrs. Murphy to know they feel her little house is an eyesore and should be demolished. Not to be deterred with their persnickety attitude, Mrs. Murphy invites her neighbors to her house for lunch and to witness the wonders of her tiny dwelling. Everyone accepts her invitation, and the following day, Mrs. Murphy’s neighbors are amazed when they enter the house to find it is not as small at it appears from the outside. With each and every room they enter, they are surprised to find how light and magical they prove to be. After dining on an elegant lunch Mrs. Murphy prepared just for them, the neighbors agree her diminutive home is indeed a delightful place. They soon realize they had only focused on the outside, and did not see that what is on the inside is what matters most. This story will touch the hearts of both youngsters and adults alike. Not preachy, it teaches a message for everyone. The eclectic illustrations are both bold and contemporary, meshing with the text to weave a delightful visual experience. Reviewer Nancy Carty Lepri is the author of the children’s book, Tiny Angel.