The Little Drummer Mouse

Mayer's (the Little Critter books; There's a Nightmare in My Closet ) little mouse, a furry fellow inspired by the "Little Drummer Boy" carol, is the runt of his very large family. The little mouse is given a tiny acorn drum so that his mother will always hear him. Though the other haughty forest animals tease him about his "music," the little drummer mouse's playing is at last appreciated by the child king born in a nearby stable. Ink-and-watercolor scenes filled to bursting with woodland activity and illuminated by starlight offer young readers much to explore. Ages 4-up. (Sept.)