GREY MOUSE

First published in the Netherlands, this uncomplicated tale about friendship and the journey to self-acceptance now debuts in the US. “One day, Grey Mouse felt blue. She was bored and lonely. And she was tired of being grey,” reads the opening. Min (Peter’s Patchwork Dream, not reviewed, etc.) pictures the angular mouse with her head hanging low, tiny paws drawn to her temples. On the next page, she holds a bucket of red paint and a brush. “Maybe Goose will play with me now,” she says after painting her nose red to match the goose’s bill. Sadly, “goose just giggled.” Throughout, Min’s mixed-media illustrations set against the plain white page depict Grey Mouse trying on a variety of different colors and patterns. She paints herself green like “Frog,” red with polka dots to match the ladybugs, and striped like “Zebra.” Each time, the emulated animals appear in the corner mocking Mouse’s efforts. The only creatures that don’t cringe are the bees. Attracted to the flowers that she has decorated herself with, they chase Grey Mouse all the way to a pool of water into which she dives. Deep blue fills the interior spread as the flowers slip off and the muted mouse glides eyes-closed through the murky depths. When she reemerges she’s met with a surprise. “ ‘Hi,’ said a squeaky little voice.” In the final illustration, mice are popping up all over the place (“ ‘Hi,’ said another. ‘Hello,’ said another. And ‘Let’s play,’ said another.” Grey Mouse, unadorned, has finally found friends. An affirming read. (Picture book. 2-6)