The Mousier the Merrier!

Four titles launch the Mouse Math series, which covers basic math concepts via a mouse family living in the walls of a “People House.” In this outing, when Albert and Wanda’s mother allows them to invite friends over to play a game, they end up with more mice than they bargained for, including the “Mousely triplets” in blue party dresses and musicians from the band Mousetrap. Fifteen mice in all come over to play (a mouse tally runs along the bottom of the pages). Melmon’s tender cartoons seamlessly integrate the counting lesson into the narrative. A closing section provides an activity guide aimed at parents or teachers. Available simultaneously: Albert Keeps Score, The Right Place for Albert, and Albert’s Amazing Snail. Ages 4–6. (July)