  | Full Text Reviews: Bulletin for the Center... - 02/01/2013 Poor Mouse is clearly down in the dumps, looking dejected even in the face of a shower of flower petals and a tune played by a squirrel on a walnut-shell violin. His woodland friends rally around him, each trying a different method to cheer him up—the crow takes him flying, the frog plops him into the water for an impromptu swim, the mole stuffs him underground to do some therapeutic digging, the badger tries to feed him pink grubs. When their overenthusiastic efforts leave Mouse sadder than ever, it is the little chipmunk who finally gives him what he really needs: a hug. Young kids who are just beginning to practice empathy themselves (and, as here, with sometimes less than successful results) will likely relate to this tale, and though the message is a bit simplistic, it is age-appropriate. Henry’s brief text is clear and poetic (“Splash and paddle, wash and wade—Cheer up, Mouse!”) and follows a satisfyingly predictable pattern without being repetitious. The mixed-media illustrations (watercolors, pastels, colored pencils, and digital media) are warm and woodsy, with rich greens and browns predominating in the hues of the animals’ fur and skins and in the forest background. Figures and landscapes have a controlled but softly brushy look, and the cinnamon-colored mouse, with his white tummy and pink ears, nose, and toes, is both cute and appropriately vulnerable. This might be fun to partner with Alborough’s Hug and/or Schmid’s Hugs from Pearl (BCCB 1/11) for a squeeze-filled storytime. JH - Copyright 2013 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. School Library Journal - 01/01/2013 PreS-Gr 1—Henry introduces a sad Mouse and his concerned friends. Determined to make him smile, the other woodland animals are sure that their special skills are just what the little creature needs to be happy. A black bird takes Mouse on a flight. A frog is sure that "dizzy heights are for the birds./I can wash those tears away./Splash and paddle, wash and wade-Cheer up, Mouse!" as he takes him for a swim in the pond. The pattern continues as each creature, including a rabbit and a squirrel, tries to improve Mouse's mood, to no avail. The animals have concerned or smiling expressions yet they are realistic and recognizable in the illustrations that were created digitally and with colored pencils, watercolors, and pastels. The simple sentences relate how each animal plays with Mouse, and readers will repeat the refrain. The satisfying resolution comes in several wordless spreads as the chipmunk realizes what Mouse needed all along-a hug. A solid story about friendship that is sure to cheer readers.—Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY - Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 02/01/2013 Mouse seems to be having a bad day—he won’t smile. So the other woodland creatures conspire and try their best to cheer him up. Crow thinks the answer is flying, while Frog thinks it is swimming. Rabbit tries jumping and the bluebirds, singing. They even try throwing a party, but nothing works until Chipmunk looks closely at Mouse and then gives him a hug. Henry uses watercolors, pastels, and colored pencils to lavishly illustrate this charming, simple tale of friendship and individuality. Each animal has activities he or she enjoys—“splash and paddle,” “dig and shovel,” “dip and dive,” “chomp and chew”—but until the animals pay attention to Mouse and learn what makes him feel good, they cannot help him. Youngsters will enjoy the simple phrases and delightful illustrations by the creator of I Speak Dinosaur (2012). Perfect for fans of Dori Chaconas’ One Little Mouse (2002). - Copyright 2013 Booklist. Loading...
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