Reluctant to give up his nearly perfect day, a young mouse refuses his mother’s insistence that it’s bath time. Pried from his hiding place by the offer of cinnamon toast, Miko explains the significance of the sparkly dust, smudged paint and a splatter of ice cream that decorate his whiskers and paws. His mother allows his to sleep in his dirty state, but an uncomfortable floor and itchy skin propel him to the bath, where he realizes that each day holds new possibilities and potential. Bright illustrations of the earnest mouse and his understanding mother offer a warm accompaniment to the smart lessons. Patience prevails in another Miko adventure, Mom, Wake Up and Play (ISBN: 0-698-40012-7), as Miko’s mother requests a few more minutes of sleep before playing. Miko’s independence, creativity and kind heart are sure to turn these adventures into new favorites. Kind and smart. (Picture book. 2-5)
