Run Home, Little Mouse

Little Mouse has gotten lost in the big, dark forest, and he must avoid some scary predators as he makes his way back home. In the first three spreads, poor lost Little Mouse is pictured in a simple forest scene featuring a few trees, a small moon and a winding gray path. Next, he appears tiny and frightened against a black background, while two yellow eyes peek through cat's-eye-shaped die cuts. When the page is turned, a large fox is revealed: "Run home, Little Mouse, as fast as you can!" The danger doesn't end there; Little Mouse spies a weasel, an owl, a cat, a crow and two bats (in each case, the eyes peek through die-cut holes before the creature is fully revealed), but finally, he makes it back home to his eager family. Though Little Mouse's big eyes convey fright, the predators all have a rather friendly appearance, which tones down the potential fear factor. The black background and strategic die cuts make for dramatic images, and children will enjoy guessing which animals the different eyes belong to as they watch Little Mouse find his way back to the safety of his family. This simple, repetitive tale with vivid images and a comforting ending is a good choice for one-on-one or group sharing. (Board book. 1-4) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.