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40 pp.
| Random/Random House Studio |
May, 2021 |
TradeISBN 978-0-593-18183-6$17.99
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-593-18184-3$20.99
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EbookISBN 978-0-593-18185-0$10.99
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PS
This American picture-book debut from Italian illustrator Carozzi depicts an unlikely friendship between a goldfish and a mouse. They live in an elegant home of minimalist design in which the pets take precedence. When the household's cats become interested in the goldfish, living snugly inside its bowl, Mouse hatches a plan to trick them into sleep--and then sneaks the fish into the local river via a teacup, thereby releasing its dear friend from harm. The illustrations do the heavy lifting in this sparely worded volume; at one point, we read only that "Mouse had an idea," as we watch the action unfold. The addition of "It was a wild idea," "It was a bold idea," and "It was a brave idea" is followed by "But was it a good idea?" This is repeated toward the book's close as we watch intrepid Mouse put the rescue plan into action. The imaginative ways in which Mouse and Fish "play" together at the book's opening are delightful (expect giggles), and the thrilling escape is perfectly paced. Carozzi's graphite illustrations feature a subdued palette; the use of silhouettes, particularly when the cats first appear, enhances the book's delicious sense of mischief. An entertaining game of cat and mouse. And one lucky fish.
Reviewer: Julie Danielson
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2021