PIP IN THE GRAND HOTEL

A mouse on the run leads a pack of children on a merry romp through a prestigious hotel. While in hot pursuit of Mary’s pet, the children are in turn followed by the blustering hotel manager. Readers get a whirlwind tour of the upscale hostelry as the characters race from the illustrious main lobby, through the bustling kitchen and past the royal suite, culminating in a thrilling climax on the roof. The format of the book features a different part of the hotel on each successive double-page spread (with the food elevator an especially high point). Müller’s colorful, detailed watercolors, reminiscent of Marjorie Priceman’s, invite readers to take their time with the cheerfully crammed pictures. Glimpses of the fleeing mouse are included in nearly every picture to further pique interest and intrigue readers. The timeless combination of mischievous children and cuddly rodents hoodwinking fussy adults adds up to an irresistible, rollicking tale. (Picture book. 3-8)