Find My Blanket

Everyone in his family knows that Sam Mouse can't sleep without his blanket, but they don't know that he feels left out when he has to go to bed before they do. So he instigates a little harmless mischief by hiding the blanket, then asking for help finding it. The entire family gets involved, eventually forgetting the hunt and instead playing with Sam and his toys. Even though readers are in on the plot, the suspense of this cozy mystery builds, until the mice's wise and loving mother reminds them that unless they find that blanket soon, there won't be any time for cocoa and toast before bedtime. The artist humorously shifts the perspective of her pictures from head-on shots to an aerial view of the scramble; Sam ""finds'' his blanket and settles down to enjoy an evening snack with the older kids. Brady's first book reveals her sure hand for storytelling and an understanding of the waysof children. Her snug watercolors shape each scene, from Sam's first lonely moments to his joy in seeing his plans successfully unfold. Ages 3-5. (March)