The Porcupine Mouse

Two mouse brothers, Louie and Dan, leave their overcrowded house in search of a home of their own. Disaster is averted when Louie persuades a black cat not to eat Dan, convincing the feline that a "porcupine" is a terrible meal. The plot is slight and uncomplicated, but Begin's pictures make up for the shortcomings. A snug miniature world is created as much by an illusionist as by a skillful artist. The disparity in size between cat and mouse when they encounter each other in the dark generates real dramatic surprise, in contrast to some blissfully cheerful interior shots.Bonnie Pryor is the author of 'The Porcupine Mouse' with ISBN 9780688071530 and ISBN 0688071538.