It’s June, and the weather has gotten cold. It would be great if you’re Gelati Mouse, who just happens to be back on the virtual shelf in the library this month. Go get it here: https://obakebooks.com/the-library/

Now, rather unsurprisingly, no one has ever asked me, “Leigh, what IS the origin of Gelati Mouse?” so I guess it’s up to me to answer my own questions, as usual. Unless it’s super apparent, in which case, don’t bother to finish this post. But if it’s still a mystery, then please read on. But it’s pretty simple.

I like off-model cartoon characters, and the undisputed King of these Copyrighted Characters is The Mouse himself. He’s everywhere, although, primarily flea markets, carnivals and, of course, ice-cream trucks. Pretty much anywhere that Disney can’t touch the people using his image. Which I love for some reason. Never drilled into it. Let’s try now. It could be the hopeful air about them. That someone somewhere did their best, and this is what they came up with, and that was all that was needed. It says a lot about the nature of art and how we interpret it, both as makers and viewers. It could be the novelty of seeing someone else’s take on something you know so well. That certainly has to hold a particular fascination.

Or is it just understanding how hard it is to do anything art-based? I appreciate the effort that anyone makes to make art, and it should be celebrated, regardless of the impending cease and desist orders.

Whatever it is, I love these grotesque cousins of the World’s most beloved character, and why wouldn’t I? They helped me make a book containing an image my kids found HILARIOUS, which is priceless.