The Day Bell Found Her Sound

In O’Donnell’s resonant fable, a music-loving mouse explores “the bustling melody of life” while struggling to find her place in her cross-species community’s song. Though Bell’s home is quiet, she sings along to household sounds, such as “the low creaks of the floorboards.” Wanting to contribute to the bountiful music that she hears in town, she ventures out, trying to match her neighbors’ sounds. When nothing she tries feels right, it takes quiet reflection for Bell to realize that finding her melody starts with trusting her voice. Invoking sonorous imagery (“the steady rhythm of rain, and the overwhelming silence of snowfall”), this predictable but winsomely told work invites readers to experience the music of everyday life. Warm-hued digital illustrations mimic the town’s auditory chaos in low-contrast spreads that reserve an eye-catching glow for Bell once she finds her song. Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 3–5. (July)