OUT COLD

Bruce the bear can’t go out, so the mice bring winter indoors to him.

Poor Bruce has a cold. The mice feel bad that he’s missing all the wintry fun, so they hatch a plan to cheer Bruce up. They transport the “snow family” they’ve made into the house, including a “Snow Bruce” (complete with a unibrow made from a stick). Of course, when they drag a bedraggled Bruce off the couch to see their handiwork, all that’s left is a puddle. But not to fear—the mice have another idea. They flood the bathroom to create an ice rink! Paws windmilling for balance, Bruce slides out into the hall, where he falls onto the ski jump that the mice have set up on the stairs. With a tremendous crash, he lands back on the sofa where he was originally snoozing. The mice decide, after all that…ahem, fun, that Bruce really needs to rest. But with a tiny “ACHOOOO!” it becomes clear that there are three new patients in the house. Bruce’s grumpy nature and the mice’s overzealous helpfulness both shine triumphantly in this latest in the series. As always, Higgins’ signature cartoon illustrations are a delight, using exaggerated expressions and body language to convey a range of emotions. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Silly mix-ups for the younger set are sure to bring a smile.