THE MOUSE WHO BRAVED BEDTIME

Milo, a captivating British mouse, propels this warmly reassuring tale about a common childhood fear. Troubled by nightmares starring a horrible monster with huge claws, Milo seeks help from family members who, in turn, suggest warm milk, fresh air and exercise. When these remedies fail to bring relief, Milo confronts his fears by entering the scary closet under the stairs where he finds nothing but harmless linens. This gentle story incorporates repetition and is simple yet affecting, offering a surprise in the revelation of the monster’s true identity. Using a confection of contrasting colors and a mixture of floral, geometric and linear patterns, Hellard creates a cozy English household of china and chintz. Her imaginatively detailed watercolor paintings demonstrate a fine manipulation of light and shadow, showcasing a mouse-eye view of the world where colorful paperclips form a jump rope and Milo’s rodent father rows a sponge boat with a toothbrush oar. (Picture book. 4-7)