Motor Mouse Delivers

This murine essential worker returns in three small stories packed full of charm.

Everyone’s favorite delivery mouse returns after his the eponymous debut (2019) with tales as succinct as they are comforting. “The Radio Mystery Book” informs readers that Motor Mouse loves mysteries but doesn’t read them at bedtime because they keep him up at night. When a radio station starts playing an audio book, a chapter a day, he discovers there’s more than one way to enjoy a good book. “Day of the Double-Decker” begins with tragedy (a motorcar in need of repairs) and quickly turns around when our hero finds that his public transportation system is “full of kindness.” Finally, “A Good Game of Croquet” shows what happens when peaceful intentions wreak havoc with Motor Mouse’s regular croquet game with his brother Valentino. Conveyed with Rylant’s customary charisma, the tone of these tales retains its light touch with familiar characters and safe, comfortable settings. The art takes great pleasure in the smallest details, such as Valentino, natty in straw hat and spectator shoes, or, in another scene, a keen example of what would happen if Andy Warhol had ever painted chickens.

As comforting as a hot cup of tea, a scone, or the view from a double-decker bus on a beautiful sunny day. (Picture book. 5-8 ) – Kirkus Reviews * May 15, 2020 *
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. – The Horn Book Magazine * July/August 2020 *

Cynthia Rylant is the author of more than one hundred books for young people, including beloved series Henry and Mudge, Motor Mouse, and Mr. Putter & Tabby series. Her novel Missing May received the Newbery Medal. She lives in Oregon.

Arthur Howard is the illustrator of the Mr. Putter & Tabby, Gooseberry Park, and Motor Mouse series by Cynthia Rylant; Goatilocks and the Three Bears by Erica S. Perl; Noodle & Lou by Liz Garton Scanlon; and his own picture books including My Creepy Valentine, My Dream Dog, and When I Was Five. He lives in New York City.

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