Love, Mouserella

K-Gr 1—Mouserella's grandmouse left three days ago, so the young mouse writes her a letter telling her about what has happened since she went home. She has completed her beaded belt, and while at the zoo with her family, she picked up a cat whisker. Her caterpillar is in the chrysalis stage. Her letter, written on yellow, blue, green, and pink paper, contains crayon drawings, color photographs, and a package of ketchup (she ate fries in the cafeteria). She reminisces about the ladybug they found and the time they spend together improving their posture. Opening the cover of this book, which resembles an addressed envelope, will prompt children to think about their own letter writing. Those who have never written a letter will be encouraged to do so when they see how quickly Mouserella overcomes writer's block and how easy it is to express one's thoughts on paper. Stein uses watercolor, stencils, crayon, and pencil to illustrate the little mouse's artistic accomplishment. Children and adults can talk about the importance and benefits of written communication after sharing this book.—Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada