If You Take a Mouse to the Movies FROM OUR EDITORS
The Barnes & Noble Review
The creators of one of the most successful children's book series ever produced -- the writer-illustrator team of Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond -- continue their If You Give A... series with yet another exploration of whimsical creatures -- a pushy mouse in this case -- and arbitrary whims. If You Take a Mouse to the Movies follows the same formula Numeroff has used in the previous books by showing how a single demand can snowball into a long list of exhausting needs. But this time out there is a Christmas theme and plenty of holiday hijinks to heighten the fun.
The language is simple but lively, lending itself well to being read aloud. The accompanying illustrations are both colorful and vivid, with plenty of details to keep curious young eyes busy as they seek out details mentioned in the story. It's a fun way for children to grasp the idea that their own demands may be taxing at times. And as an added incentive (not that one is needed), a portion of the royalties from If You Take a Mouse to the Movies benefit First Book, a national nonprofit organization for the promotion of children's literacy.
--Beth Amos
ANNOTATION
Taking a mouse to the movies can lead to letting him do other things, such as making a snowman, listening to Christmas carols, and decorating the Christmas tree.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
If you take a mouse to the movies, he'll ask you for some popcorn. When you give him the popcorn, he'll want to string it all together. Then he'll want to hang it on a Christmas tree. You'll have to buy him one....
The energetic little mouse from If You Give A Mouse A Cookie is back again, this time with a host of holiday antics. Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond have created yet another irresistible tale in the tradition of the best-selling If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, If You Give A Moose A Muffin, and If You Give A Pig A Pancake.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Actor Jason Alexander reads Laura Numeroff's story in the If You Take a Mouse to the Movies Book and Tape set, which includes a paper-over-board mini-book edition, illus. by Felicia Bond, and music by Sarah Weeks "Mouse's Twelve Days of Christmas" and a medley of favorite Christmas songs. (Oct.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Children's Literature
That persistent, tireless, but lovable little mouse of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is back. Taking him to the movies at Christmastime leads to demands for a tree, a snowman, a fort, a rest with Christmas carols, and after the decoration of the tree, another trip to the movies. The simple progression of events is told with succinct humor and in the equally simple colored illustrations. Bond provides just the needed details to amplify the text and add decorative qualities of the seasonthe snowflake pattern of a cozy blanket, a work surface covered with glitter, and ornaments across a double page. Our irresistible mouse hero in red overalls cavorts with the popcorn on the endpapers and throughout the holiday adventure. 2000, Laura Geringer/HarperCollins Publishers, $15.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz