Mousterpiece
*Starred Review* Each night Janson the mouse explores the museum where she lives. Upon discovering the modern art section, “her little world opens.” She responds to the paintings, collages, drawings, and sculptures by creating her own, based on the ones she sees each night. When the modern wing is closed for renovation, Janson stares at the bare walls and looks forlorn. Not for long, though. She creates new pictures inspired by her old favorites and leaves her paintings on display. The museum director finds them and decides to exhibit her works, including her “mousterpiece,” the one picture painted in her own personal style. Following the story, which is pared down to the essentials, a four-page appended section, “Janson’s Favorite Artists,” includes a little information about the 22 artists represented, paired with postage-stamp-sized reproductions of each visual homage interpreting the modern masters from a mouse’s perspective. The book’s striking cover features a rectangular cut-out that frames the title-page illustration of Janson painting a jungle scene inspired by Henri Rousseau. On the pages within, the generous use of white space heightens the impact and the color intensity of the artwork. A charming introduction to modern art, an inspiring starting point for young art students, and a tribute to the way art can spark imagination. Preschool-Grade 3. --Carolyn Phelan