THE GREAT CHEESE ROBBERY

Fathers aren’t afraid of anything—are they?

Patrick, a young elephant, is afraid “of a lot of things, like the dark, ghosts, bees, and the fluff you find under the sofa.” Daddy Elephant, on the other hand, is big and strong and completely unafraid of anything—or so Patrick thinks. The truth comes out when mice appear at the house, and Daddy Elephant begins to stammer and shake. Colorful, appealing cartoon illustrations are at the forefront here, as the simple story moves somewhat bumpily along. Unperturbed and not realizing that the mice are thieves, the innocent young Patrick politely helps the small marauders as they steal the family’s cheese, then the refrigerator, and then everything else, even Daddy Elephant! What’s a young elephant to do? Just in time, the front door opens. It’s up to Mommy Elephant to save the day and explain that everyone is afraid sometimes. Patrick still knows that Daddy Elephant is the biggest and strongest, and Daddy is proud to say that Mommy Elephant is the bravest of all. Still, the hordes of masked mice in their striped shirts making off with everything are way more fun than the feel-good message.

The throngs of felonious mice make this story worth the read.