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72 pp.
| Simon/Beach Lane |
August, 2020 |
TradeISBN 978-1-4814-9128-0$18.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-4814-9129-7
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Arthur Howard.
Motor Mouse, owner of the jaunty little red motorcar, returns with three more engaging short stories. In "The Radio Mystery Book" he becomes mesmerized by a mystery program on the radio and doesn't think he can wait for the next installment. Should he drive to the library and read ahead to chapter two on his own? Spoiler alert: he waits. "There can be great joy in anticipation." In the second story, "Day of the Double Decker," his motorcar breaks down and he must make his customary deliveries via public transportation. Minor challenges ensue, but the adventure ends happily. "Though he knew he would miss his motorcar all week long, Motor Mouse knew that everything was going to be all right." In the final story, "A Good Game of Croquet," Motor Mouse's competitive nature temporarily gets the better of him during a croquet match with his brother Valentino, but in the end brotherly love is restored and they both look forward to the next game. "Life was full." Rylant's stories are just the right mix of child-sized adventure and philosophical musings; and Howard's cartoony mixed-media illustrations are full of humor, action, and personality.