49 pages • 1 hour read •
A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
Louisiana • 1820s
2010
Katherine Tegen Books
Middle grade
8-12 years
730L
Super Short Summary
In Henry Cole's illustrated children's novel A Nest for Celeste, a gentle and resourceful mouse named Celeste lives in a 19th-century Louisiana plantation house where John James Audubon arrives to paint North American birds. As Audubon pursues his artistic endeavors, Celeste embarks on her own quest to find a new home and friends. The story explores themes of home, art, and friendship and includes depictions of gun violence and animal deaths.
Heartwarming
Adventurous
Emotional
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
4,148 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A Nest for Celeste by Henry Cole is praised for its charming illustrations and heartwarming story. It successfully combines historical elements with the tale of a small mouse, appealing to both children and adults. However, some readers feel the plot is predictable and the character development could be deeper. Overall, it's a delightful read that captivates with its visual and narrative appeal.
Who Should Read A Nest for Celeste?
Readers who delight in charming animal tales and richly illustrated adventures will find A Nest for Celeste by Henry Cole captivating. Fans of E. B. White's Charlotte's Web and Kate DiCamillo's The Tale of Despereaux will especially appreciate this heartwarming story of friendship and bravery.
4,148 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Joseph
Joseph
A gentle and lonely young apprentice with chestnut hair and pale blue eyes, who befriends Celeste. His kindness provides her with protection and companionship.
Audubon
Audubon
A tall and proud artist with auburn hair, who is determined to paint every bird species in North America. His ambitious nature and unconventional methods impact both human and animal characters.
Cornelius
Cornelius
A wood thrush with a yellow bill and creamy white breast feathers, who forms a quick friendship with Celeste. He inspires others through his curiosity and beautiful song.
Lafayette
Lafayette
A jovial and majestic osprey with golden yellow eyes and a sharp beak, who becomes a key ally and friend to Celeste. His cheerful personality and willingness to help are crucial to the story.
Trixie
Trixie
A large gray rat with a raspy voice, serving as an antagonist through her bullying and greedy nature. Her actions create challenges and obstacles for Celeste.
"A Nest for Celeste" is not just a captivating story; it also features Henry Cole's beautiful pencil illustrations that enhance the reader's immersion in the 19th-century setting.
The book creatively intertwines historical elements, such as real-life ornithologist John James Audubon, into its fictional narrative, providing a unique educational angle.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
Henry Cole, known for his background as a science teacher, often incorporates elements of nature and wildlife conservation in his works, which can also be seen in "A Nest for Celeste."
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
352
Novel • Fiction
Louisiana • 1820s
2010
Katherine Tegen Books
Middle grade
8-12 years
730L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.