(2) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Lies. A friendly mouse helps a magpie out when it begins to collect way too many objects. The spare text makes each of its twenty-seven words work as it builds up to its crescendo of stuff and back again, while realistic acrylics keep viewers' attentions focused on the characters and clutter. The message here is overt, but the treatment is clever, effective, and commendably understated.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2012