Mr. McMouse
Life as a happy handsome city mouse ends abruptly for Timothy when he looks into the mirror one morning and sees "a strange creature dressed in black staring at him." His brown ears and furry gray body have been replaced by a human-like form sporting a man's hat and coat; only a long tail links him to his original incarnation. Fleeing the city in panic, Timothy seeks refuge in a typically quixotic, Lionni-esque countryside adorned with marbleized trees and paisley boulders. A band of field mice, reassured by the hero's tail, dub him Mr. McMouse and offer membership in their group--if he can pass a battery of tests and earn a field mouse license. The artist's trademark cut paper collages colorfully and succinctly illustrate Timothy's quest, though unfortunately the narrative here is a minor one. This slight tale's opening, in particular, may confuse little ones--why does Timothy change, and exactly who or what does he become? Still, Lionni ( Swimmy ; A Busy Year ) provides Timothy with a hero's ending and weaves a gentle message of self-awareness into this offbeat tale. Ages 2-6.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.