(3) K-3 Illustrated by Simona Ciraolo. "Mother of the Movies," filmmaker Alice Guy-Blaché pioneered the creation of fictional films with sound. In this fast-paced biography, Rockliff's storytelling mimics the adventure-filled movies her subject loved; silent-film title cards (cleverly based on Guy-Blaché film titles) divide the narrative. Ciraolo's action-packed dry-media illustrations feature unexpected coloring and surprising perspectives. A "Director's Cut" offers further information and a film list. Bib.

Reviewer: Erica Wetter

(3) PS Illustrated by Simona Ciraolo. In this clever cumulative story reminiscent of "The Gingerbread Man," swift mouse Jake outruns the clutches of Old Tom Cat, plus a fox, wolf, and bear. "'Can't catch me!' sings Jake. 'I'm the fastest mouse in the world!'" That is, until the boastful rodent is finally outwitted (and gobbled up) by Old Tom Cat. Energetic pencil and watercolor illustrations capture the animals' spry movements.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty