Where Are You, Ernest and Celestine?

Ernest and Celestine are back, and in this adventure Ernest seeks a museum position. The older bear will only take the job if his young mouse charge can come along each day. No, that isn't possible, he is told, so the two leave to look around the museum. Celestine fails to be intrigued by the paintings, even the Mona Lisa, who Ernest adoringly says smiles like her. When the tired mouse asks to go home, Ernest can't resist looking at a few more paintings. Quick as a flash, the two are lost from each other and frantic, but a guard helps them get back together. With soft watercolors, Vincent has created angles that make Celestine seem tiny in contrast to the great halls, a common position for youngsters. And Celestine's feelings when her caretaker momentarily sees to his own needs are beautifully and simply expressed, ""I thought you liked the pictures better than me.'' Ernest replies, ``There is nothing I like better than you, Celestine!'' (48)