cover image The Rescue of Aunt Pansy

The Rescue of Aunt Pansy

Lisa Campbell Ernst. Viking Children's Books, $8.95 (40pp) ISBN 978-0-670-81716-0

When Russell the cat receives a new toy mouse, Joanne the mouse mistakenly identifies the plaything as her dear Aunt Pansy. She valiantly drags the toy away from Russell, only to discover her mistake. Cat and mouse wind up friends; in fact, ""the three of them were very happy.'' Ernst (Up to Ten and Down Again, Hamilton's Art Show, etc.) heightens the drama with split pages that involve the reader in the story. Younger readers may not immediately understand that the toy mouse is not Aunt Pansy; nevertheless, this is fun for all. Ages 3-8. (May)