Marcello the Movie Mouse
Grade 1-3–Otoshis considerable talents are grievously misplaced in this self-serving tribute to the cinema. Tiny Marcello Mousetriani loves movies and dreams of making a film of his own. He overcomes obstacles, including a lack of equipment (everything he needs is conveniently abandoned in an attic), a lack of budget (he forages for food, yet hires a swing gang), and, of course, the constant threat of cat attacks. After a lot of hard work, he finally completes his masterpiece–whatever that is, since the creative vision that drives him receives only cursory attention. But nevermind; its brilliant. Next thing we know, Marcello is at the M.I.C.E. Awards, accepting accolades as Best Director. Hockinsons facile text is loaded with industry jargon and silly wordplay that will hold little meaning for young readers. The book looks great, but high style is no compensation for poor substance; this whole project belongs on the cutting-room floor.–Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SCCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.