EMMIE BUILDS SOMETHING NEW

A scrappy rodent learns that logic can solve engineering dilemmas and social misunderstandings alike.

In a colorful Victorian dollhouse lives Emmie, a soft brown mouse. Her home is surrounded by pulleys and contraptions, bits and bobs, and even a sunflower, all of which allow her to eke out a tranquil, though solitary, existence in the attic, unbeknownst to the house’s human owners. An engineer at heart, Emmie approaches every problem with a solution-focused mindset and creates designs to make her trouble disappear. But her peaceful life is thrown into chaos when the homeowners adopt a fluffy black-and-white cat, who soon trots up to the attic. Though Emmie appears afraid, she bravely launches into problem-solving mode, sketching out designs for progressively larger and less feline-friendly robotic creatures to scare off the kitty. When the last creature gets the job done by dousing the poor cat in water, Emmie is briefly satisfied—until she realizes how frightened and sad she made her supposed enemy. The story resolves with Emmie apologizing before making amends. This strong messaging is reinforced through the illustrations, which introduce color gradually, beginning with Emmie and her home in the opening spread and ballooning to the entire attic space as Emmie’s world opens up to welcome her new friend, the cat. On the whole, it’s a welcome reminder that it’s just as important to be kind as it is to be smart.

A sweet social-emotional book that’s the cat’s (and the mouse’s) pajamas.