TEN OLD MEN AND A MOUSE

The discovery of a mouse in the synagogue signals a break from the routine for the ten old men who gather there every night. Grumbling and getting in each other’s way, they manage to set a trap. Next day, when the mouse is still alive—and visibly irritated in Clement’s fine-lined, delicately colored, gently comical illustrations—they instead create a cozily furnished corner in the cupboard, offer a supply of strawberries and apple slices, and, predictably, soon discover that “he” is a “she.” The synagogue being a far less lively place after the energetic new arrivals are carried off to a home in the country, the mouse is welcomed back when she reappears at the door, alone: “Don’t tell me. Your children grew up and moved away. An old story.” But: “Don’t worry. You’ll hear from your kids again. You know when? When they need something.” Like James Stevenson’s more recent outings, this good-natured episode may have less appeal for young children (though that mouse is pretty cute, and so are the old guys) than for the parents and grandparents who will insist on reading it to them. So share it, already. (Picture book. 7-9)