This photo, used for the book's cover, shows the carousel on the Boston Common at night. The mouse-level perspective, composition and lines (note how the bars of the fence and the shadows on the ground mirror the stripes on the zebra) make this photo visually interesting but I especially like seeing this scene through Elliott's eyes. Does he know what a carousel is? Is he sad because the lights are off and the fun is over? Is he lonely because all the children are gone? Does he feel left out because he wasn't invited to play?

This photo was taken in a cupboard down in the basement of our house in Northampton. This is, presumably, the soft, warm and quiet place where Elliott rests during the day. The games, toy soccer ball and crystal saucer of Goldfish crackers are things that might entertain Elliott and the family.

This corner of the den, with a warm gas stove and dark passageway on the left seems like it could be a favorite hangout for Elliott. Then again, the fire and hot stove might be scary.

This stairway leads from the Brooklyn Bridge down to a street below. Elliott might use these stairs on his way to the subway but needs to be careful as he is exposed and can't see what is at the bottom.

This is the first photo taken in the "Night Mouse" series. The setting is an entrance to the El Coll Metro in Barcelona. I think the boy on the scooter and Elliott would be a little surprised to see each other (but not scared). I'm sure the boy wondered what I was doing laying on the floor with my camera ;-)

For me, the focus of this scene was the large and loud bus racing down a residential street in Barcelona but the long exposure renders the image streaky so the bus is hard to recognize. Some of the "preview" kids were drawn to the motorcycles and created a storyline about Elliott riding motorcycles. Elliott could be frightened by the noise or calmly waiting to board. I've always thought of Elliott as very brave and resourceful so assume he has a boarding pass and regularly takes the bus downtown.

This photo was taken after a day-long festival in Girona, France. Most of the trash cans were overflowing and garbage had spilled all over the ground. I imagine Elliott being conflicted at this point. There is almost certainly food here and the brown bag could be a good place to hide but the young man is awfully close and might be a threat. What to do?

Late night trash collection after a festival in Girona, France.

This scene from Split, Croatia is one of the most visually interesting in the series -- the laundry hanging to dry (why is every single piece white?), the scooter, graffiti, stairs, fence, stone walls, plants and the green cast over everything caused by the fluorescent lights. And then there is the cat staring right at Elliott!

This photo shows the step leading up to the bar of the American Bar in the Municipal House in Prague. The yellow warning triangle is for the bartender. The shiny objects in the background are liquor bottles. I don't think of Elliott drinks much but I imagine this scene would be both interesting and confusing.

I originally thought this scene would be too strange and inaccessible for children but they seem to like it and every child came up with a different story. It's actually some cinderblocks next to a parking garage along the train tracks behind MIT in Cambridge, MA. Some kids thought that Elliott would see blocks of cheddar cheese (as I did when taking the shot) but others came up with completely different storylines.

All of the kids immediately saw this grate as a life-threatening spot for Elliott. For me, it highlights the huge difference between how we humans and Elliott view the world. Hundreds of people walk past this grate in Cambridge, MA every day without a second glance while Elliott would certainly pay attention.

The surprise in this image is delayed. The eye is first drawn to the bright lights and colors of the house and only later notices the blue skull in the corner. Is it howling or laughing?) Then again, Elliott could see the skull as a nice refuge for the evening until the scary kids went home.

I doubt if Elliott knows about Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman but in any case, I think he would be curious but not scared.

Elliott has good taste and a sense of irony so I think he would enjoy these kitschy Christmas lights in Belmont, MA as much as we do!

Elliott definitely loves carnivals as much as we do and for all the same reasons -- the bright lights, fried dough, rides, games and prizes.

Elliott is too small for this ride but it sure looks exciting!

Being a connoisseur of good music, food and beer, Elliott would certainly love to party at this outdoor disco in Split, Croatia.

I image that this playground is a regular late-night hangout for Elliott and his friends.

Yikes! another cat. Should Elliott slowly retreat or make a dash for under the gate?

Hmmm, what to do? There could be food here but those cow skulls in Santa Fe, NM give Elliott the heebie-jeebies.

Ahhh, Elliott is visiting his good pals in the Boston Gardens -- the "Make Way for Ducklings" family!

This street-art by Tom Otterness in Brooklyn, NY shows an alligator with human hands emerging from a manhole cover to devour a man in a suit with a moneybag for a head. Elliott isn't fond of avenging alligators or evil capitalists but appreciates the message. The huge evergreen tree in the background was decorated for Christmas.

Elliott is almost home but has to avoid a few obstacles like this mouse trap.

This broom-welding man is a little scary but Elliott is safely tucked away under the stairs.

Time to play pool! Elliott and his friends like to roll the balls into the pockets before heading off to bed.