Two Mice

June 8, 2015
In a book with the rhythms, if not the precise goals, of a counting book, Ruzzier (A Letter to Leo) follows two white mice into and out of several small predicaments. Like an undulating wave, two-word lines count from one to three, down to one, up to three again, and so on. The opening sequence (“One house/ Two mice/ Three cookies”) introduces a frisson of tension as one mouse frowns at its single cookie while the other (identifiable by brown spots on its back) greedily devours two treats. The tables turn during the next sequence (“Three boats/ Two oars/ One rower”) as the spotted mouse gets stuck piloting their rowboat, and the other relaxes. After “one shipwreck” and
a close encounter with “three beaks” belonging to a nestful of baby birds, the mice find their way home for a soup dinner. The small dimensions of the book (not to mention its heroes), the reassuring patterns of Ruzzier’s text, and the surrealist edge common to his artwork create an adventure with a scintillating combination of danger and comfort. Ages 4–7. Agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

Starred review from July 1, 2015
The deceptively simple counting story of two mice, their adventure, and friendship. One morning in Ruzzier's imaginative and colorful world, two mice wake to explore. The tiny window above the bed beckons: water, mountains, and sky are waiting for these two. Starting before the title and ending on the copyright page, minimal text says all that is needed: "One house / Two mice / Three cookies. / Three boats / Two oars / One rower. / One nest / Two eggs / Three ducklings." New readers will soon notice the number pattern and slow down to see how the droll illustrations extend the story. For instance, the mouse with one cookie has an angry expression and a rather tightly curled tail, while the loose-tailed mouse looks gleeful as it chows down on two cookies. The sunny rowboat scene is not so sunny for the mouse who has to manage the two oars. By the time the two buddies return to their home, all is forgiven when the delicious soup is served. (And, in a visual nod to Sendak, it is clearly "still hot.") The small trim size and careful attention to details give this book enormous appeal; the decorative floor tiles, ornamental feet on the kitchen table, and mismatched stools fit right in with the red hills and ever changing sky. The simplicity of the text means that the earliest readers will soon be able to pick it up and will return to it over and over. One story. Two mice. Three cheers. Lots to love. (Picture book. 3-8)

COPYRIGHT(2015) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

June 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 1-"One house/Two mice/Three cookies./Three boats/Two oars/One rower." Counting up to three and down to one again and again forms the structure and narrative of this slim story. Pen-and-ink illustrations show two mouse friends-sometimes naughty, sometimes grumpy, always together-having an adventure involving a shipwreck, danger, and the perfect pot of soup. The counting device, forward and backward, may confuse some children, while others will enjoy the simplicity and rhythm. VERDICT An unusual but sweetly satisfying offering, this title will be a lively addition to most libraries.-Martha Link Yesowitch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.