SAMANTHA
by Ellen Stoll Walsh & illustrated by Ellen Stoll Walsh
The popular cut-paper collage mice return to help Walsh (Pip's Magic, 1994, etc.) with a gentle lesson about feeling safe. Samantha is the smallest of the mouse children and frequently finds herself overwhelmed by the others' rough-and-tumble teasing. When her wish for a fairy godmother comes true, she sits safely and comfortably on the sidelines, but comes to realize that she is missing out on fun. Samantha once again gets her wish when she sends the fairy godmother away, and sorely misses the companionship. When the two reunite, it's with a new understanding about the level of protection that Samantha needs. The individuality possible in mice formed from torn, highly textured brown paper is surprising, and the contrasting soft blue of the fairy godmother works well. Reminiscent of Leo Lionni's minimalist fare, this personable piece will find an audience in all toddlers taking their first timid steps toward independence. (Picture book. 3-8)