TWO MICE IN THREE FABLES

Three tiny ``fables'' about two mice and the animals that try to catch them—simple sentences, simple plots. The stories follow formulas, which are explicitly stated at the end in the punchline morals. The first story is a series of contrasts, between the inside mouse and outside mouse. The second is a series of conflicts between an owl and a raccoon ``who always wanted to be in the same place.'' The third brings contrast and conflict together: a snake hunts the two mice who always escape by moving in opposite directions. The charming, free-flowing pictures—black pen and watercolor, with lots of greens and blues—are cleverly integrated into the text, to the point where the snake gets tangled up in a word. The predatory elements and pithy morals give this a sting that most preschoolers will appreciate. (Picture book. 3-5)