Ten Mice for Tet!
Kindergarten-Grade 3-This accessible counting book is a lovely introduction to the Vietnamese New Year. Each spread features a short sentence ("1 mouse plans a party. 2 mice go to market") that is expanded upon by detailed pictures showing the preparations of thevillage. Remarkable, vividly colored, embroidered artwork enhances the text. The textural quality is still perceptible even though the pieces have been photographed, and readers are able to see the individual stitches in this fine workmanship. A thin black outline highlights the bright, flat figures whose faces have a cartoonlike look. Extensive endnotes following the number sequence take readers back through the book and allow for a more comprehensive explanation of the holiday. In this section, Vietnamese words are followed by the pronunciation in parentheses. This multileveled approach allows this title to be used with children of a wide range of ages. An excellent addition to any collection.Tali Balas, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York CityCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.