City Mouse, Country Mouse

PreS-Gr 3— This is a charming, innovative version of the classic tale of one mouse enamored with the city and one who can't bear to be parted from her beloved countryside. They meet, become fast friends, and each introduces the other to her/his favorite environment. Since neither is comfortable remaining in the other's space, both mice return home. However, they miss each other so much that each one heads out, only to meet in the middle. This "halfway town" is the perfect compromise. "It was close enough to the city that they could visit when Will got restless, and it was no farther to the country when Tansy longed for the sights and smells of home." A heartwarming story of friendship is here, but the real standout are the illustrations. Inspired by a childhood trip to Beatrix Potter's farm, Rudy has enjoyed creating mice and their worlds out of felt and found materials. These collages are beautifully detailed and children will pore over them repeatedly.