MOLLY AND THE STORM

Caught outside in a surprise storm, Molly and her brothers must find a safe place to stay until the rains end. Many animals offer their homes as shelter to the four young mice, but for various reasons none of them works. A squirrel offers to let them stay high up in the tree with her, but the mice are fearful that it’s not safe. A harvest mouse offers her nest as a refuge, but the mice decide that it’s too small. Finally, a rabbit’s warren is ruled too crowded. Just as they fear that they will have nowhere to go, Mother Mouse arrives to lead them to an old, hollow oak tree. Soon all the mice are curled up asleep—all except Molly. She cannot help worrying about all of her new friends out in the storm. In a heroic act, she sets out to lead them all to the safety and warmth of their shelter in the tree. Soft watercolor-and-pen paintings feature the cuddly creatures in a second adventure for Molly and her family (The Magic of Christmas, not reviewed). Endearing illustrations prop up a simple story of one mouse’s commitment to friendship. Soggy, but sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)