'Twas the night before Christmas, in a cute country house. Not a creature was stirring except a French mouse. Henri was struggling. He wanted to create the perfect gift for his friend, but he tossed out the canvas again and again. No matter the process, no matter the style, no matter the colors, proportions, or textures, it just wasn't right. Christmas was only hours away and he had nothing! As Henri hung his head in defeat, his ears detected the sound of strange feet. Who might the visitor be? Will he help Henri understand that a gift from the heart is the very best sort? Author and illustrator Joan C. Waites uses a small mouse's feeling of inadequacy to help children develop their own artistic awareness.

Surrounding the pages are borders illustrating a variety of techniques mentioned in the text, such as stippling and crosshatching. Hung on the walls of Henri's comfortable studio are self-portraits of famous "mouse" artists like Matisse, Cassatt, Van Gogh, and Degas, all in their distinctive styles. A glossary of art terms and French phrases used in the book makes this the perfect gift for every budding artist!.