Mouse Count

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

A gang of mice learns to mix colors and to count; the ``nave charm and exuberance'' of Walsh's cut-paper art helped earn Mouse Paint a spot among PW's Best Books of 1989. Ages 2-6; 4-8. (Mar.)

Children's Literature - Susie Wilde

This book is new to board book format. It tells a simple story of survival of the fittest, with subtle concepts underneath. This combination makes for a book that can be shared for a number of years. It has wonderful illustrations that both parents and children will enjoy. 1995 (orig.

Children's Literature - Sharon Salluzzo

The lap-sized board book is approximately the same size as the original hardcover. Because of the thick pages it is actually heavier. But then again it is also sturdier. Some little mice who are playing in the meadow decide to take a nap. While they are sleeping a snake comes along and begins to put them into a jar for his meal later. One at a time he adds the "little, warm, and tasty" mice: one, two, three, etc. He thinks there are enough when he reaches ten. One fast-thinking little mouse says there is another big mouse nearby. Being greedy, the snake leaves to fetch the big mouse. Alas, it is only a rock. While he is gone, however, the little mice rock the jar and escape. Walsh's lively collage mice and the snake that seems to slither from one page to the next are truly engaging. It is a welcome title in this sturdy format.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1-- A slithery snake finds ten sleeping mice that he thinks will make a delizacious meal. He pops them into a jar . . . ``one, two, three.'' But, being greedy, he sees just one more hidden in the grass and goes to collect it. The ten little captured mice outsmart him, however, and--``ten, nine, eight . . . ''--uncount themselves as they scramble from the jar and run home, safe and sound once again. Children will delight in this counting game that is couched in an exciting, original story. They will cheer for the resourceful, bright-eyed, tiny mice as they escape. The torn paper collage and tempra illustrations are lively and depict the story's unerring drama through an unclutterd form and line. Each page displays a neatly framed illustration that complements the progression of this anticipatory story. Readers will be intrigued by the sleek blue snake and his whimsical, earth-toned captives. A concept book that lures children into the learning process through drama and ultimate satisfaction. --Mary Lou Budd, Milford South Elementary School, OH