SYRACUSE, N.Y, Sept. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GHDC Media LLC has announced the official launch of Millhouse The Christmas Mouse (hardcover, $24.95), an award-winning children’s picture book and companion keepsake collection designed to anchor family holiday traditions around faith, reading, and childhood wonder.
Written by Frank Cerio and illustrated by Kristina Denadic, the story follows a curious grey mouse who observes a family preparing for the holidays and sets out to discover what all the excitement is about. Told in a classic, rhythmic verse reminiscent of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas’, the book bridges secular excitement and faith-centered values through a gentle, memorable encounter between Millhouse and Santa Claus.
Positioned as an intentional, fatigue-free alternative to daily "elf" routines, the Millhouse tradition requires zero nightly staging for parents. Instead, a wooden folding-chair ornament placed in the Christmas tree by a mouse “house guest” becomes the centerpiece around which parents can create magic through the holiday season. Then on Christmas morning, children discover the chair moved beside Santa’s empty cookie plate—a simple, high-magic reveal proving their mouse met Santa just like Millhouse himself.
“The idea started when I built a tiny mouse house into the baseboard of my daughter’s nursery,” said author Frank Cerio, who became a father for the first time at 55. “Parents want meaningful, faith-filled traditions, but they’re completely exhausted by high-maintenance holiday gimmicks. Millhouse was built to bring back faith centered magic and wonder without adding work to a parent’s nightly to-do list.”
Millhouse The Christmas Mouse Highlights & Accolades:
- Critically Acclaimed: Finalist in the 2026 International Book Awards (Children’s Picture Book). Publisher’s Weekly/BookLife praised the title: “Millhouse’s story invokes the warmth and comfort of the holiday season. Kristina Denadic’s illustrations are textured and full of life, glowing with charming details” while early NetGalley readers call it a "...truly heartwarming and enchanting holiday read that beautifully captures the spirit of Christmas. "
- Built-in Philanthropy: Through The Folding Chair Fund, GHDC Media donates 50% of net profits from the Millhouse collection to child-focused charities. The Church Mouse Program allows local churches a zero cost method to raise funds directly through customized purchase links featured in their weekly bulletin.
The complete Millhouse Collection—including the hardcover picture book, wooden folding-chair ornament, and plush toy—is currently featured for 2026 Holiday Gift Guides and direct-to-consumer fulfillment.
Author interviews and press kits are available through frankcerio.com For review copies, media inquiries, or gift guide considerations, contact GHDC Media at press@ghdcmedia.com.
About GHDC Media LLC: Media with purpose. GHDC Media merges faith centered storytelling with modern fatherhood. Founded by Frank Cerio, its properties include Millhouse The Christmas Mouse and the Gray Hair & Daycare podcast. Learn more at ghdc-podcast.com and millhousethemouse.com.
Frank Cerio GHDC Media LLC / Millhouse The Mouse frank@ghdcmedia.com 315-974-4950 www.ghdcmedia.com www.millhousethemouse.com www.frankcerio.com