Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Nuts
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Front Street, 2005 ISBN: 978-1932425666
Autumn is here and Mouse knows that the time has come to go out and collect nuts for the winter. Mouse has to make quite a long journey across the meadow to get to the nut tree. Wrapped up warmly and wearing her coat with the big pockets, Mouse sets off. On Mouse walks despite the fact that Gull warns her of a coming storm, Hare warns her that she might get run over by the tractor, and Sheep warns her that the dog might get her. Mouse cannot hear any of these warnings and she keeps on going.
By the time Mouse reaches the nut tree the storm has arrived. Mouse takes refuge in a hole at the base of the tree and soon the exhausted little creature is fast asleep. When she wakes up Mouse discovers that most of the leaves and all the nuts have been blown off the tree that looms over her. Poor mouse has to go home empty handed.
In this superbly illustrated picture book the author perfectly captures the unique beauty of open farm land with its wide skies, its furrowed fields, and its ever changing moods. Readers will be filled with a longing for open lands, drifting leaves, and the cool winds of autumn. Best of all young children will love being able to share in the special surprise which is waiting for Mouse when she gets home.
