HIGGINS, Ryan T. Be Quiet! illus. by Ryan T. Higgins. 40p. Disney-Hyperion. Apr. 2017. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781484731628.

PreS-Gr 3 –Rupert the mouse is excited to finally have the opportunity to create his very own book. He decides that it will be wordless, since wordless books are “very artistic.” Rupert cannot wait to get started. However, his dream project is interrupted by two well-meaning but extremely chatty little friends. They are so excited to offer Rupert ideas that they do not even realize that they are filling up the book with words! Rupert becomes increasingly frustrated as things quickly spin out of control. Adding animals to the story? Superheroes? A chain saw? Rupert is flabbergasted! Will his wordless picture book ever come to fruition? Set in the forest, with mice as main characters, this picture book is sure to amuse. The text, appearing in a large, handwritten font and in speech bubbles, is well spaced and easy to read. The giggle-inducing conversations among the characters are fast-paced and witty. The illustrations are large and comical, inviting readers to fully experience the range of emotions displayed by the characters. VERDICT This hilarious and fun read-aloud will be a hit at storytime. Kids will be laughing out loud.–Amy Shepherd, St. Anne’s Episcopal School, Middleton, DE

This review was published in the School Library Journal April 2017 issue.