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GREY MOUSE

First published in the Netherlands, this uncomplicated tale about friendship and the journey to self-acceptance now debuts in the US. “One day, Grey Mouse felt blue. She was bored and lonely. And she was tired of being grey,” reads the opening. Min (Peter’s Patchwork Dream, not reviewed, etc.) pictures the angular mouse with her head hanging low, tiny paws drawn to her temples. On the next page, she holds a bucket of red paint and a brush. “Maybe Goose will play with me now,” she says after painting her nose red to match the goose’s bill. Sadly, “goose just giggled.” Throughout, Min’s mixed-media illustrations set against the plain white page depict Grey Mouse trying on a variety of different colors and patterns. She paints herself green like “Frog,” red with polka dots to match the ladybugs, and striped like “Zebra.” Each time, the emulated animals appear in the corner mocking Mouse’s efforts. The only creatures that don’t cringe are the bees. Attracted to the flowers that she has decorated herself with, they chase Grey Mouse all the way to a pool of water into which she dives. Deep blue fills the interior spread as the flowers slip off and the muted mouse glides eyes-closed through the murky depths. When she reemerges she’s met with a surprise. “ ‘Hi,’ said a squeaky little voice.” In the final illustration, mice are popping up all over the place (“ ‘Hi,’ said another. ‘Hello,’ said another. And ‘Let’s play,’ said another.” Grey Mouse, unadorned, has finally found friends. An affirming read. (Picture book. 2-6)

Pub Date: April 1, 2002

ISBN: 1-886910-76-6

Page Count: 32

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2002

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DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE SLEIGH!

A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies.

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Pigeon finds something better to drive than some old bus.

This time it’s Santa delivering the fateful titular words, and with a “Ho. Ho. Whoa!” the badgering begins: “C’mon! Where’s your holiday spirit? It would be a Christmas MIRACLE! Don’t you want to be part of a Christmas miracle…?” Pigeon is determined: “I can do Santa stuff!” Like wrapping gifts (though the accompanying illustration shows a rather untidy present), delivering them (the image of Pigeon attempting to get an oversize sack down a chimney will have little ones giggling), and eating plenty of cookies. Alas, as Willems’ legion of young fans will gleefully predict, not even Pigeon’s by-now well-honed persuasive powers (“I CAN BE JOLLY!”) will budge the sleigh’s large and stinky reindeer guardian. “BAH. Also humbug.” In the typically minimalist art, the frustrated feathered one sports a floppily expressive green and red elf hat for this seasonal addition to the series—but then discards it at the end for, uh oh, a pair of bunny ears. What could Pigeon have in mind now? “Egg delivery, anyone?”

A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023

ISBN: 9781454952770

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Union Square Kids

Review Posted Online: Sept. 12, 2023

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LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S HALLOWEEN

Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.

A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.

Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.

Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)

Pub Date: July 5, 2016

ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3

Page Count: 16

Publisher: HMH Books

Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016

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