Seven Blind Mice

What is the "something" by the pond? With hesitation and trepidation, six mice individually approach the creature and report findings back to the group over the course of a week. Yes, it is "sturdy," "supple," "wide," "sharp," "breezy," and "stringy," depending on which way one approaches it. But what creature possesses all these attributes? It takes the wise seventh mouse to answer the question. B.D. Wong brings a calm and thoughtful narration to this Indian folktale. His pacing is poignant and relaxed, and gives pause for consideration of both mice and universal wisdom. The recording concludes with the author describing the origin and development of this exquisite book, designated a Caldecott Honor Book in 1993. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

April 27, 1992
In a stunning celebration of color Caldecott medalist Young ( Lon Po Po ) offers a vibrant variation on the fable of the blind men trying to identify an elephant. Seven differently-hued blind mice approach the ``strange Something'' in their midst on successive days and report their findings to the group. A large black square provides the background for each painting, a dramatic contrast to the brilliant images ``felt'' by the sightless rodents. Young's textured, cut-paper illustrations allow readers to visualize just how a floppy ear might be mistaken for a fan (``I felt it move!''); the elephant's curving trunk springs to life as both a jewel-green snake and a glowing yellow spear. The spare text permits greater exploration and enjoyment of the artwork--it may be difficult to read the story straight through without stopping to compare the various images. The ``Mouse Moral'' that concludes the tale--``Knowing in part may make a fine tale, but wisdom comes from seeing the whole''--may seem superfluous to those who prefer the imaginative ``vision'' of the mice. Ages 4-up.