Reviews

PreS-Gr 2-A prince in ancient Egypt makes friends in high and low places, unearthing a statue of the sun god and rescuing a mouse caught in a thorn bush. His kindness is rewarded when Amon-Ra ensures that he be made pharaoh, and mice neutralize his enemies by nibbling through their clothing and gear. The young pharaoh erects a temple to the sun god with a golden mouse statue inside, to remind everyone that acts of kindness are rewarded "though sometimes in unexpected ways." Overtones of Aesop's "The Lion and the Mouse" are combined with ancient Egyptian lore, giving the narrative a folktale atmosphere. It is almost too spare, seeming to leave much unsaid. A few awkward rhymes and stiff illustrations (with the action often seen in the distance) keep readers at arm's length. That said, the quality of the light in the detailed and richly colored art helps make up for other flaws, and the exotic setting will likely engage children, who are often so passionate about ancient Egypt. This odd little book does not seem quite sure of itself, but it has its moments.-Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Alrawi's (The Girl Who Lost Her Smile) story carries the same do-unto-others message as Aesop's "The Lion and the Mouse." Instead of a lion, a prince initially saves a mouse, disentangling it from a thornbush. "True greatness is being kind," the mouse tells the prince as he runs off, "and true kindness is never forgotten." Wiley (The Jesse Tree) creates a desert atmosphere by placing friendly, soulful-eyed characters against digitally manipulated backdrops of hieroglyphics, palms, and sand dunes, all lit with an eerie, gauzy glow. The prince is made pharaoh, and an army threatens the country; in repayment for the prince's good deed, the mouse persuades his fellow mice to sabotage the enemy army's equipment. The mice "chewed through the leather of their bows, their saddles and the straps of their shields. In the morning, the mountain men could not tie their sandals, and their clothes fell off." The image of small creatures defeating the powerful is always gratifying, as is the book's thoughtful portrayal of Egyptian cultural themes. Ages 3-8. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.