All in One Hour
Kindergarten-Grade 2-Vibrant cut-paper collages on large spreads framed in navy illustrate this lively cumulative tale that takes place during one hour. At 6:00 a.m., a small boy and his ginger-striped cat are dozing cozily as "the mouse that started it all" nibbles a chocolate-chip cookie in much-too-close proximity to the feline. What ensues is a chase that involves the cat, a dog, and a dogcatcher, all intersecting with the bank burglar whose swag falls into the net of the catcher who, still chasing the other animals, is now pursued by the thief. Enter the police and a vegetable-store owner laden with a box of bananas, and the end is both inevitable and funny. At 7:00 a.m., the cat returns to the still-sleeping boy, where-in a nearly identical spread to the opening pages-it spies- another mouse. A digital display on the side of each left-hand page alerts readers to the passing of time. The useful sequencing possibilities make this spirited romp informative for read-alouds, and the intricate, colorful art and mazelike quality of the story make it compelling as a solo choice, as well. A terrific addition to most picture-book collections.Dona Ratterree, New York City Public SchoolsCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.