Reviews: (by author)

Lowe, Joseph. Mice Twice. New York : Aladdin Paperbacks, 2005. ISBN 0-689-87832-X

This new edition of Joseph Lowe's Mice Twice is in the series "Stories to Go" by Aladdin Paperbacks-- the perfect size books to "fit into a backpack, a tote, or a diaper bag." All of the award-wining picture books also are reasonably priced.
Lowe's Caldecott Honor Book is the humorous story of deception and come-uppance. It begins with Cat who dreams of a delicate tasty mouse. Cat invites Miss Mouse to dine with him; but she knows his cunning ways and asks if she might bring a friend. Naturally, Cat makes a mental leap-two mice or "mice twice" to eat. But a series of uncomfortable dinners follows, each visit bringing a new, more threatening guest as polite but deceitful hospitality reigns; part of the reader's fun is trying to anticipate who will be the next dinner companion.
Lowe's watercolor and pen illustrations illuminate the wonderful ironies. Characters wear fashionable clothes that fit their social position: Cat and Dog in elegant suits, Miss Mouse a flowing gown, Wolf a bulky sweater, Crocodile a spiffy pink suit, and Lion a regal purple suit. Focus is on facial expression; eyes reveal exactly how the characters feel in each awkward situation. The lively watercolors of rust, gold, green, pink, orange, and grey capture the warm, humorous escapades.

Toni Rowden, January 2006

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