MOUSE AND MOLE AND THE YEAR-ROUND GARDEN
by Doug Cushman & illustrated by Doug Cushman
The Scientific American imprimatur on this Children's BOMC selection is misleading: the two animal friends' gardening between one spring and the next—planting vegetables, watching them grow, putting things by, enjoying the beach or making a snow mouse as they await the next garden task—makes an effective overview of seasonal activities, but it's marred by inattention to detail. E.g., Mole shows Mouse ``how to plant pea seeds,'' but no specifics are offered; four corn seedlings (in a single row under an apple tree) simply don't resemble corn in the cartoon- style illustrations; and while a substantial number of related facts are offered in boxes at page bottoms (e.g., ``under the garden'' are worms, ants, grubs, and aphids) they tend to be superficial (what is the significance of these underground creatures?). A book that promises more than it delivers; still, the sprightly tone and cheery illustrations may arouse interest, and a knowledgeable adult could build on what's outlined here. (Picture book. 4-7)