Full Mouse, Empty Mouse: A Tale of Food and Feelings

Full Mouse, Empty Mouse (FMEM) is a story which addresses the complex problem of eating disorders in a language that children from ages 5-12 can understand. It is a beautifully illustrated book telling the story of two mice who use food in an effort to cope with the stress in their lives. "Mouse stress" involves an ever-present cat, mouse-traps, a dog and a rat who chase the small mice. The boy mouse, Billy Blue, overeats for comfort and solace. His sister, Sally Rose, under-eats in an attempt to reduce her size in order to be safe. While Billy is teased for being fat, his sister is admired for her tiny body. Their parents, though well intentioned, are distracted by work and compulsive cleaning. Their wise aunt teaches them to listen to their bodies, tune in to their feelings and get their needs met in more effective ways. Artist and graphic designer Brian Boyd has captured the adventures of this mouse family in lush, vivid illustrations. The rich colors and humorous details will capture the imagination of children and adults alike. This book will serve as a catalyst for important adult-child discussions about body size and weightism, the value of sharing feelings with concerned adults, and the problems that arise when people use food to cope with life.