Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
City Mouse, Country Mouse
Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Henry Holt, 2017 ISBN: 978-1627796163
One day Tansy Mouse is working when she sees a grey fuzzy caterpillar under one of her strawberry plants. She picks it up and discovers that it is not a caterpillar at all. It is the end of a tail, and the tail belongs to a mouse called William Gray.
Tansy and William get acquainted and Tansy learns that her unexpected visitor lives in the city. William tells Tansy all about the city and then she decides to show him what her beloved country life is like. For the rest of the day they wander “through the leafy green land,” and William gets to experience the joys of the country. Not wanting to have to say goodbye at the end of the day, William invites Tansy to go to the city with him for a visit and she agrees to go.
Soon they are wandering down streets that are lined with buildings. Mice, moles, frogs and other animals are busy going about their business. There are so many things to do and look at, and every day the friends share wonderful adventures. Unfortunately, Tansy starts to feel homesick and she longs for the peace and quiet, and the beauty of her country home. Will does not want to leave the city and so Tansy heads for home on her own.
Though Tansy is happy to be back at home she misses Will, and though Will loves his city life, he misses Tansy.
This wonderful picture book tells the story of two very animals who like very different environments. The one big thing that they have in common is that they love being friends. Children will enjoy visiting Tansy’s pretty world, and Will’s busy city life, and they will be delighted when they see how the friends solve their problem.
Using handmade sets and characters that were photographed, Maggie Rudy gives children a wonderful story that celebrates friendship in a unique way.
