The Very Busy Day - Softcover

reSchool-Grade 1--First introduced in The Very Noisy Night (Dutton, 1999), Big Mouse and Little Mouse are back for another adventure. This time Big Mouse grumbles loudly as he works hard in the garden and his diminutive counterpart flits about daydreaming. Through a thoughtful and unexpected act, Little Mouse ultimately shows Big Mouse just how important it is to stop and smell the flowers. Children will recognize the busy adults in their lives through the older character and grown-ups will learn the value of slowing down and appreciating their youngsters. Chapman's illustrations are just as innovative and inviting as in the first book. It is delightful to examine how resourceful these mice are-making wheelbarrows out of clothespins and thread spools and using lace doilies for table umbrellas. The book provides a perfect opportunity for leisurely one-on-one sharing.
Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library,
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Ages 5-7. In this companion to The Very Noisy Night (1999), Big Mouse and Little Mouse are waging a battle of wills. Big Mouse wants Little Mouse to help him work in the garden, but Little Mouse is busy with other, seemingly less useful, things. Just as the story appears to take on a "Little Red Hen" theme (Who will help me bake the bread?), Big Mouse discovers that Little Mouse has been preparing a picnic and making Big Mouse a fancy sun hat. The text has a charming simplicity, and the bold, colorful paintings contain clever details that will delight youngsters, such as the everyday human items used to furnish the mouse habitat: a bathtub plug serves as a tire swing; dominoes make stairs; paperclips serve as clothespins. A good choice for both preschool story hours and lap-sit reading. Helen Rosenberg
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