Easter Mice!

Mother Mouse bedecked in her Easter bonnet takes her three children dressed in jackets and ties outside for an egg hunt. The two older ones begin to search right away but the youngest gets sidetracked. He thoroughly enjoys picking flowers ("Sniff! Whiff!/ Spring! Fling!"), rolling in the mud, swinging on a branch, and boating on a leaf. When Mother Mouse gathers her three boys, the youngest is upset because he is the only one with no eggs. He runs away but happens upon an egg that cracks and reveals "An Easter friend." Cushman's illustrations in springtime colors extend a spare but energetic text that is full of action words. The expressive faces of the little mice will engage the reader. There are a number of imaginative touches in the interior of the house, such as the pencil that serves as a curtain rod and the postage stamp that is a picture on the wall. A nice little holiday story with a reassuring premise for young listeners.

Easter Mice!