CLOVIS SUSPECTS A SNEAK

Jokes aside, this bull owns a china shop.

Our hero, whom readers will recognize from Clovis Keeps His Cool (2021), sells attractive merchandise in his cozy store. He has decorated for the winter holidays and put out tea and caramels for friends and customers. But several items—a silver sugar bowl, sugar lumps, tea lights—have disappeared. Is someone stealing? Clovis begins eyeing customers warily and even explodes at his friends at football practice. Suspicion’s bad for business; customers stop coming. Things still disappear. Clovis lays a nighttime trap for the thief by preparing caramels and soon discovers the burglar, who’s been on the premises all along: a mouse who “borrowed” his merchandise for a tea party. Clovis explodes—in laughter—explaining the difference between borrowing and stealing. “Next time, little mouse, ask me,” he tells her. “I may be a bull, but I’m no bully.” The remorseful rodent in turn reminds Clovis that he’s displayed a fierce temper in the past. Chastened, he decides to apologize to the friends he offended; the shop’s warm ambience is restored. This cute but thin story is appealing, though the denouement falls somewhat flat. The message about asking permission to borrow things is important, yet the mouse never explains if she planned to return what she took. Still, the vividly hued illustrations are comically lively. Towering Clovis is blustery yet able to mend his ways—also a good lesson—and the all-animal cast is endearing.

Gently conveyed lessons in friendship and trust.