Mouseterpiece: A Mouse-sized Guide to Modern Art by Jane Breskin Zalben

Janson the mouse lived in the corner of a museum.  Once the lights were off and the people were gone for the day, Janson would move about the museum looking at the various works of art.  Using the great works of art she encounters in the museum by artist such as Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol, Janson begins to create art with dots, squares, circles, triangles, squiggles and wiggles, and stripes.  A great introduction to some of the best known contemporary artist.  Pages at the back of the book provides additional information about the various artwork and artist.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Pip & Squeak by Ian Schoenherr

Pip and Squeak (2 mice) are headed to celebrate Gus's birthday day! Of course it is snowing so they will need a "sled", also known as an envelope. They are well on their way when they realize they forgot the "gift", also known as cheese! Rather than going home they decide to look along the way. Finally they come upon a snowman with an orange nose....cheese? They finally arrive at Gus's party but will he like the "cheese"? First look at this book may lead one to think this is a book for the very young - the text is short and simple. However the shortness of the text requires lots of "filling in" by the reader. Adam and I had a great laugh at the end of the story as well - Gus very much likes his "cheese".....because he is a rabbit!! Illustrations are super cute!!

Text: 4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves (Adorable)

Love, Mouserella by David Ezra Stein

From the creator of the Caldecott Honor Book, Interrupting Chickens, comes a new, creatively designed, picture book Love, Mouserella. When Grandmouse is gone, little Mouserella misses her and decides to write a letter to her, complete with pictures! At first she can not think of anything to write but that soon changes and she can't stop. From her exciting news about Willy, her former caterpillar and now a chrysalis, to her trip to the air conditioned museum, with corresponding photo, Mouserella fills in Grandmouse with everything she has missed since leaving. A sweet book, with unique format which will hook children from the beginning to the end. Classroom possibilities for this one is endless.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves
Endpages: 5 Buckeye leaves

Hide and Squeak by Heather Vogel Frederick

It is time for bed but Baby Mouse has other ideas. As he runs and hides, Daddy must chase after him and search for his next hiding spot. Daddy gets closer and closer until he is finally able to catch him by mouse baby's tail.

Story: 3 Buckeye leaves - rhyming
Illustrations: 4 Buckeye leaves - I especially enjoyed the mice's face