Mouse

When Fox chases Mouse into the library to fill his belly, he doesn’t expect to instead fill his noggin with new knowledge—or to befriend a chicken! Among the stacks, a cast of clever animals use distraction tactics to avoid becoming Fox’s dinner. They deliver library facts, share magic tricks, and spout knowledge: “Chicken bones are bad for foxes.” In the end, Fox may not have found his ideal snack, but he does discover a curiosity for books. The text feels purposeful at times, but the sly humor is reminiscent of Jon Klassen’s I Want My Hat Back (2011), while the full-spread illustrations are filled with motion and will keep young listeners anticipating each page turn. An entertaining introduction to library etiquette for young children, this title will partner well with Tad Hills’ How Rocket Learned to Read (2010), which also celebrates the excitement of learning. Preschool-Grade 2. --Annie Miller