Milly and Tilly: The Story of a Town Mouse and a Country Mouse - Hardcover

Kate Summers is the pseudonym of Georgie Adams, one of Orion's most successful writers of books for young children. She lives in Hertfordshire. Maggie Kneen has illustrated other books, amongst which are WHO'S GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS? and several novelty books, plus greetings cards and merchandise. She

Kindergarten-Grade 2. This charming retelling of Aesop's "Town Mouse and Country Mouse" finds sensible Tilly living simply in the country, working hard to get all of her "mousework" done and gathering food for winter. When Milly writes that she is coming to visit, Tilly cooks and cleans and waits for her friend. Milly finds country life much too quiet at night and full of frightening creatures: bees that buzz and a sheep that says, "Baaa." Then Tilly visits Milly, who lives in a luxurious doll house and eats all manner of treats from pastry to cheese in the humans' kitchen. A cat springs before they can get a bite and the two run for their lives. Tilly returns to her peaceful life in the country and Milly knows the risks of the town suit her. Illustrations reinforce the gentle feeling between the mice and extend the text, reflecting the artist's vivid imagination. Readers will enjoy every detail from the snail carrying Milly's luggage to Tilly's kitchen table set with a shell soup tureen and acorn tops for drinks. This version emphasizes the friendship between the mice not found in other picture-book offerings such as those by Jan Brett (Putnam, 1994) and Janet Stevens (Holiday, 1987). All three tellings could be read to show a variety of versions and detail. Milly and Tilly, suited to independent reading, will also be a pleasure to share at storytime.?Susan M. Moore, Louisville Free Public Library, KY
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