Little Mouse

PreS—A little redhead, sitting in her mother's lap before bedtime, informs readers that when she is quiet, her mommy calls her a "little mouse." However, like most preschool children, she is anything but quiet. Different animals fill each spread as the youngster imagines herself as tall as a giraffe, brave as a lion, and waddling like a penguin. She turns the simplest activities into something fun and daring-bathing like a whale, playing a trumpet with an elephant, etc. But, when it's bedtime, she cuddles up in her mother's arms, realizing at that very moment that she's happy to be her mommy's little mouse. Short sentences and adorable illustrations fill each spread. The art has somewhat of a 1950s look that adds to its overall appeal. The endpapers reveal basic, colorful prints of the animals mentioned within the story. On the last page of the book, readers can have fun trying to spot all the different creatures, as they are hidden somewhere in the little girl's room. This is a perfect storytime book as children can act out the different animal movements and noises, and a reassuring title for lap sharing. It's destined to become a favorite bedtime story between parent and child.—Krista Welz, The North Bergen Public Library, NJ