SMALL

A lot of things are needed for his first sleepover, and Tom packs and repacks his little suitcase trying to find room for it all; but has he forgotten an important item? He has been to Granny’s house many times, but this is the first time that he will spend the night. Markers, his favorite dinosaur book, his blanket, his slippers, and, of course, Small, his stuffed mouse, all go into the suitcase. Granny’s house is wonderful; dinner is full of Tom’s favorite things. He gets to eat chocolate in his bath and even jump on Granny’s bed, but at bedtime, Tom realizes that Small is missing. Across the miles, it seems that Small is missing Tom too, so the little mouse sets out to find him. Climbing out the window and shimmying down the drainpipe, he runs through the streets trying to find Granny’s house. The brave little mouse doesn’t let bad weather, a big cat, or the dark woods keep him from his goal. Tom awakens and creeps downstairs to find Small on the front doormat. Did he drop him when he first arrived or did Small really run all that way? Soft watercolor paintings blend the lines between reality and make-believe as they depict the wide-eyed toddler and his favorite mouse. While not especially inspired, this is a warm tribute to the relationship of children with their toys. (Picture book. 2-5)