Carleton Mouse's Welcome

The Story of Carleton Mouse: Our Beloved School Mascot

In her first year as Headteacher at Carleton House, Mrs. Coleman was surprised to find an unassuming black box on her desk one chilly December morning. It was a Christmas gift from a parent, Mrs. MacDonald, but unlike any gift she had ever received. 

Inside was a small white mouse, dressed in a neatly hand-stitched grey blazer and cap, complete with a tiny blue striped tie. There was no note, but Mrs. Coleman quickly realized what it meant—Carleton Mouse had arrived, and he was here to stay. 

Since that day, Carleton Mouse has become the cherished mascot of Carleton House. He’s played a central role in inspiring our students and promoting school spirit. Brought to life as a cartoon by Mrs. Coleman’s talented niece, Lia, Carleton now proudly features on Headteacher stickers, certificates, and various school merchandise. 

Carleton’s presence can be felt throughout the school, from PTA events to school-wide storytelling that helps instill community values and a sense of tradition in our younger students. He’s even appeared on Christmas card designs created by our children and helped lift spirits during COVID school closures through encouraging, rhyming stories. 

Although the MacDonald family has moved on, Carleton Mouse remains a beloved part of our school family. 

In November 2022, another Carleton parent, Helen Yoxall Burns, drew inspiration from our mascot and school motto, “They can because they think they can,” to write and publish a delightful children’s picture book, Carleton’s Motto Saves the Grotto. Beautifully illustrated by another Carleton parent, Dr. Jared Burki, the book tells the story of how Carleton and his friends saved a visit from Santa. 

Following the success of the first book, Helen released a second in the series, Carleton and the Christmas Grump, which tells the heart-warming story of a little mouse finding his voice to save Christmas. 

Both books are available for purchase on Amazon, please click the book covers below: 

Carleton's Motto saves the Grotto:                                       

All our children have worked so incredibly hard,
But the blizzard has covered the whole of the yard.
Santa’s coming tomorrow, but so is more snow,
How will poor Santa know which way to go?

Carleton is a miniature mouse with a huge heart and one very big problem:

Santa’s school visit could be ruined by snow! But how can Carleton’s school motto save the school grotto?

Join Carleton and his friends as they discover how a little idea can snowball into great things.
They Can Because They Think They Can....

Carleton and the Christmas Grump:

"I am not quiet. I am…ME! There's lots of things that I can be. Like busy, happy, loud, or strong, there's lots of groups where I belong. But 'Mouse BE Quiet,' I am told! That rule's not cool; it's wrong and old!"

A mouse labelled 'Quiet' is rejected by Santa's elves for being too LOUD! When Carleton Mouse is banished from Santa's Workshop, he discovers a terrible secret the Christmas Grump is hatching a plan to ruin Christmas!

Join Carleton and the toys as they discover they're not just one trait, skill, or quirk. But can they get their plan to work?

Carleton Mouse, 2023