This cumulative tale of favors exchanged results in an unlikely friendship and a new soup recipe. Murray the mouse is making perfect soup, but he is missing a key ingredient. Rushing out into the snow, past Snowman, he asks Farmer for a carrot. Farmer agrees, but only if Murray hauls some logs; this sends Murray scurrying to Horse, who wants jingle bells, and so on. With each new appeal, he passes Snowman by, until he is stumped. Snowman gives—gives!—Murray the final item he needs to satisfy everyone. Sharp-eyed readers will have noticed Snowman’s noseless visage, and they will not be surprised to find Murray eating carrotless soup after all. Moser’s pacing is brisk and holds a folktale-like simplicity. Mantle’s illustrations cheer, comedically maximizing Murray’s diminutive size and adding gently whimsical touches. (Picture book. 3-6)
