11/15/2021
Reader Mina, who lives “in her own little world,” is largely unbothered by her enthusiastic mouse father’s idiosyncrasies—until, one day, he announces the arrival of a “really big surprise for you.” When he shows her a large, furry pet, declaring it to be a squirrel, skeptical Mina replies, “I don’t think it’s a squirrel,” eyeing the huge black-and-white feline as it levels a stony gaze. “There’s nothing to worry about,” her father insists. Forsythe (Pokko and the Drum ) offers evidence that this isn’t the family’s first ill-considered scheme alongside darkly hilarious images of the uneasy trio crammed into a mouse-size dwelling. In one spread, Mina, reading in bed under a floral quilt, glances over her shoulder as the cat looms behind her, eyes narrowed and claws very slightly extended. Soon the situation deteriorates, growing increasingly tense, until unexpected help arrives. Though her father has gotten them into trouble, Mina is forced to confront that idea that his carelessness doesn’t come without sincere affection. Soft, organic forms; fields of glowing color; and shadowy backdrops create a dreamy world in which Forsythe transforms the trying experiences of everyday life into a deliciously suspenseful fantasy—one that may nevertheless prove difficult for sensitive readers intent on familial fairness. Ages 4–8. Agent: Judy Hansen, Hansen Literary. (Feb.)
*Matthew Forsythe brings to Mina a dry, droll humor and exquisite watercolor, gouache and colored-pencil illustrations. Patterns abound in the earth-toned pages: flower parasols, pack baskets, stylized butterflies, "antique art" (postage stamps). Mina's "obsessive reader" poses—on her belly on the floor, in a homemade tent, in bed, on her back, even on the back of the cat—will feel exactly right to every bookworm lucky enough to find this treasure.
*STARRED REVIEW* Shelf Awareness
*Mina ... is whip-smart and patiently suffers a well-intentioned but hapless parent. The illustrations [have] are also reminiscent of Pokko with their velvety textures; palette of beautiful coppers, crimsons, and forest greens; and warm glow that emanates from nearly every spread. More, please, of Forsythe’s richly imagined forest worlds.
*STARRED REVIEW The Horn Book Magazine
*An unpredictable and uproarious tale, a pleasing blend of Forsythe’s (Pokko and
Booklist - *STARRED REVIEW*
*Mina the mouse is used to her eccentric father bringing home random items from the outside world.... She is, however, a bit concerned when he brings home what is clearly a cat, though her father insists that it’s a squirrel and invites the furry feline to stay.... Amusingly dry storytelling gives a wispy plot some edge... The art really steals the show, especially the sly-eyed, oversized cat who looms over the pages with razor sharp claws and an expression that moves too comfortably between feigned innocence and determined menace.... Simple dialogue and stealthy repetition will boost a budding reader while some of the more sophisticated vocabulary will stretch their skills, and a surprise savior povides an opportunity for dramatic interpretation during a humorous read aloud.
Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books — * STARRED REVIEW*
*Mina the mouse is used to her eccentric father bringing home random items from the outside world.... She is, however, a bit concerned when he brings home what is clearly a cat, though her father insists that it’s a squirrel and invites the furry feline to stay.... Amusingly dry storytelling gives a wispy plot some edge... The art really steals the show, especially the sly-eyed, oversized cat who looms over the pages with razor sharp claws and an expression that moves too comfortably between feigned innocence and determined menace.... Simple dialogue and stealthy repetition will boost a budding reader while some of the more sophisticated vocabulary will stretch their skills, and a surprise savior povides an opportunity for dramatic interpretation during a humorous read aloud.
Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books -- * STARRED REVIEW*
*An unpredictable and uproarious tale, a pleasing blend of Forsythe’s (Pokko and
Booklist - *STARRED REVIEW*
A young mouse has every right to be worried when her father brings home a "squirrel" in this pitch-perfect picture book by the author of the equally charming Pokko and the Drum .Pokko and the Drum , Matthew Forsythe brings to Mina a dry, droll humor and exquisite watercolor, gouache and colored-pencil illustrations. Patterns abound in the earth-toned pages: flower parasols, pack baskets, stylized butterflies, "antique art" (postage stamps). Mina's "obsessive reader" poses—on her belly on the floor, in a homemade tent, in bed, on her back, even on the back of the cat—will feel exactly right to every bookworm lucky enough to find this treasure. —Emilie Coulter, freelance writer and editorDiscover: A mouse named Mina must contend with the "surprise" her father brings home in this funny (for all ages!) picture book, beautifully illustrated and full of unexpected details.
2/22/22 - Shelf Awareness for Readers
Mina the mouse has a comfortable existence in the woods, happily unbothered by her eccentric
1/1/2022 - Booklist *STARRED*
Mina is a mouse, her nose always in a book, who lives “in her own little world where nothing ever bothered her.” Her busy father brings home things he collects from the outside world, and one day he tells Mina that he has a big surprise. The page-turn reveals a massive cat, staring morosely at them. “It’s a squirrel!” he declares. Forsythe’s understated humor effectively conveys Mina’s dilemma: when she can’t sleep, her father tells her there’s nothing to worry about, but looming over them both and taking up nearly every inch of their home is the cat, watching with narrowed eyes. They all manage to get along (and the cat gets a sweater!), but when a doctor visits the ailing pet—who has by now been joined by others—and names it as the feline it is, the cats pounce. (Not to worry.) Mina, much like the protagonist of Forsythe’s Pokko and the Drum (rev. 1/20), is whip-smart and patiently suffers a well-intentioned but hapless parent. The illustrations are also reminiscent of Pokko with their velvety textures; palette of beautiful coppers, crimsons, and forest greens; and warm glow that emanates from nearly every spread. More, please, of Forsythe’s richly imagined forest worlds. JULIE DANIELSON
1/1/22 - Horn Book Magazine
★ 11/01/2021
PreS-Gr 2— Mina is a bookish little mouse whose peaceful solitude is often interrupted by her irrepressible father, who has a habit of bringing home "surprises from the outside world." When he brings home a truly shocking surprise, Mina can only respond with, "I don't think that's a squirrel." It is clearly a cat. As Mina's unease about cohabitating with a cat grows, her father brushes off her concerns. It is only after bringing home two more "squirrels," and seeking the advice of a doctor because they will not eat the proffered acorns, that the simmering tension boils over. Forsythe (Pokko and the Drum ) delivers a wickedly humorous cat and mouse tale. Many young readers will identify with Mina, who is so obviously correct and so unjustly dismissed. Mina's father does not come off as cruel, simply too stubbornly optimistic to give credence to worry. Forsythe's wry, concise text is enhanced by stylized and whimsical illustrations in watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil. Mina and her father are drawn in a slightly abstract, minimalist style, which has the effect of making the more richly detailed cats seem all the more threatening. One indelible page pairs the text, "That night Mina couldn't sleep," with the image of a wide-eyed Mina and her sanguine father in their brightly lit bedroom, while the massive face of the smug cat looms over their beds, its dark body extending into the adjoining page, seemingly draining the light and color from around it. The visual storytelling is exquisite, drawing readers in to search for the small details, such as the direction of a character's gaze, that tell the real story. The book as a whole is engaging, perfectly paced and full of controlled suspense and biting humor. VERDICT This expertly crafted and delightfully quirky picture book is recommended for first purchase.—Elizabeth Lovsin, Deerfield P. L., IL
2022-01-25
Introvert Mina generally isn’t bothered by any of her father’s odd finds, including old tin cans, stamps he displays as fine art, and a troupe of wandering musicians. What finally pulls her nose out of her books are the “squirrels” her father brings home…rather huge, cat-looking ones. Suspecting that the creatures aren’t really squirrels, Mina keeps a wary eye on them for the next few days while her father makes the guests feel at home. When the cats turn against the mice, Mina’s father’s previous adventure in teaching stick insects to read comes in handy, and his refrain that “everything will be fine” proves true. Forsythe manages to convey so much personality in such a small package. Mina’s ability to remain engrossed in her books despite her eccentric father’s whims is amusing. The soft-edged illustrations have the gorgeous warmth and glow of firelight, with a palette dominated by shades of orange, burnt browns, and ranges of yellow with touches of blue. Light and shadow bring the mice’s world to life, providing dimension and movement. One cat is so expertly drawn that a slight shift of its eyes captures its sly intentions. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Captivating illustrations paired with a simple, charming story. (Picture book. 3-6)
