Loud Mouse

K-Gr 4–Menzel and sister Mentzel collaborate on an autobiographical picture book starring Dee and younger sibling Cara Lee. They happen to be mice, but this is an all-animal-on-board inclusive book in Sinquett’s charming illustrations, so Dee’s teacher, Miss Pink, seems a bit piglike, and Principal Hummingbird is, in fact, a hummingbird. The assignment is to bring something that symbolizes what she likes to do to class, and what Dee loves is to sing. She is confident. She is loud. And as a result, she expands and becomes a giant for the day, and feels so awkward and out of sorts that she thinks perhaps she’ll never sing again. Cara Lee provides comfort that night and Dee is the star of the show the following evening. Readers do not know how she got the solo slot so quickly, but, like Broadway’s quick, condensed plotting, best not to ask questions. Children will love the mouse sisters and the funny classroom scenes; although Cara Lee certainly takes a backseat in the story, the bonds of family feel authentic.