Laura Palmer, age 12, of Cleveland, Ohio, for her question:    

WHAT IS A DORMOUSE?

A dormouse is a three inch long rodent that looks like a small squirrel. Dormice are well known for their sleepy ways. When cold weather arrives, they hibernate for the winter.

Perhaps the most famous dormouse in the world is the one that author Lewis Carroll mentioned in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." He was always so sleepy that he couldn't stay awake at a tea party.

The tiny rodents have fine, silky fur. They are closely related to mice and rats. They live in trees and bushes in Africa, Europe and Asia. They hunt for food at night and enjoy a diet of berries, grains and nuts.

The dormouse has a thin tail that is just as long as its body. It also has a pointed nose and big, black eyes.