Use Your Words, Sophie

Starred review from January 12, 2015
Sophie the mouse gains a baby sister in her third outing, and her response to this intrusion involves showing off her inner polyglot, whether it’s her command of “Jellyfish language” (“Jubbabubba,” she babbles, rolling on the floor) or her decision to sing “the Baboon national anthem in her bed as loud as she could possibly sing” when both girls are put down for naps. Wells remains a master of conveying intense emotions through subtly funny writing, smartly observed situations (in the background, Sophie’s parents debate baby names), and emotionally telegraphic art—Sophie’s narrowed eyes broadcast so much disdain it’s downright chilling. Up to age 3. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.