the mouse is an input device…

In his Technology Skills for Kids picture books, Tech Wizard Mike talks about the “computer mouse” which, he explains, is an input device that must be used with thought and intention.

To help convey that concept in some engaging and visually interesting ways, writer Tech Wizard Mike asked illustrator Dinnie to design a hardware mouse 🖱️  and a mouse character 🐭

Reference imageS

Tech Wizard Mike found these images on the Web and asked Dinnie to create her versions of them…

Dinnie’s sketches

mouse sketches by dinnie

Dinnie's computer mouse sketch

finished art

mouse wearing wizard jacket

mouse wearing black jacket and red bow tie

e_mouse_blue

“Tough Cookie”

During this collaboration, Tech Wizard Mike had the visionary idea (😉 ) to make Tough Cookie (the mouse) a crossover character who would also appear in his children’s picture books about friendship and being kind to others.

For example, Tough Cookie (aka “Tuffy”) appears in the first edition of Sally Book Bunny and the Search for the Lost Key which was illustrated by Ashmita Nandy 🇮🇳

ashmita nandy's version of tough cookie
The mummy (who was touched by his new friends’ kindness) said: “There are several keys in the parlor — if you get lost, just give a holler.”