THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE

Emily, a corn-fed country mouse, lives with her loving human family on Johnson Farm. When her urbane cousin Alexander invites her to spend Christmas with him in New York City, she hesitates, thinking of her delightful Christmases at home. But eventually Emily heads off to Greenwich Village, to dapper Alexander's luxurious home in Antoine's, the finest French restaurant in the city. Although the food is delicious, mice are unwelcome in Monsieur Le Chef's restaurant, and a cat chase is more excitement than either of the cousins wants. Emily suggests that Alexander return with her to Johnson Farm, and he agrees. When they get there, the Johnson children have laid out a sumptuous, if simple, Christmas dinner for Emily, and the two mice could not be happier. Smath's illustrations are about as cute as a Hallmark card, and Fisher's (Women in the Third World, not reviewed) dialogue is a diabetic's nightmare. On the last page, Alexander says, ``I guess Christmas is not about fancy foods and expensive gifts, after all!'' And Emily responds, ``Oh, Alexander, I'm so happy. This is the best Christmas ever, because I'm sharing it with everyone I love!'' Riddled with platitudes. (Fiction/Picture book. 3-7)