Sophie’s Terrible Twos

Sophie the mouse, first seen in Time-out for Sophie, is in another bad mood, and it’s again up to Granny to save the day in a smart and subtle way. It’s Sophie’s birthday, but whether she’s being asked to wear a pink dress or eat blueberry pancakes, everything makes her cranky (“I know someone who has turned the corner onto Grumpy Street,” says Mama). While out on a walk, Granny cleverly redirects Sophie’s “terribleness” in a way that allows the two-year-old to both let it all out and finish the book with a smile. Wells continues to demonstrate an almost telepathic gift for distilling everyday frustrations and triumphs to their essence. Ages 2–up. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Feb.)