KAT & MOUSE

A cat and a mouse overcome a truly daunting obstacle: the playground slide.

In need of “a little adventure,” bow-wearing Kat invites bespectacled Mouse to head to the playground. Both enjoy the springy horses and the swings, but Mouse looks on overwhelmed as exuberant Kat zips and zooms down the slide. Kat apologizes for not giving Mouse a turn, but Mouse delays: “Um. I think I will need a drink of water first.” And maybe even a nap. Eyes shut, Mouse imagines sliding as a series of disastrous semi-falls. Finally, wearing a helmet, Mouse approaches the ladder—but we can see the little rodent trembling. Finally, Mouse admits to being scared. Kat offers to help and, ingeniously, appears with a crate of bananas and a surfboard. After they’ve eaten the bananas, Mouse tries Kat’s clever mini-slide, but it’s futile. Ever-positive Kat praises Mouse at being “good at TRYING!” Mouse shows off some sure-footed climbing skills. Then, noticing Kat about to slip on a banana peel, Mouse hurtles down the slide without thinking—turns out Mouse is brave when a friend is in need! Yoon’s confidently outlined and brightly colored art complements her insightful but easy-to-read text, which demonstrates an astute sense of child psychology.

A warmly encouraging adventure for the bold-hearted and trepidatious alike.