Review by Booklist Review
Ages 3^-6. Nora mouse is tired of having her sibs get all the attention. But her attempts to gain some spotlight for herself are destined to failure--until she realizes that stopping her noisy mischief will get her family to take notice. Published originally in 1973 in a small format, with pen-and-ink illustrations brightened by splashes of color, this funny, endearing story is now available in an enlarged format with new, full-color art. Although the new artwork preserves both the spirit and the settings of the original pictures (and adds many wonderful details), it greatly alters the balance of the picture book. In the older version, the lively, rhythmic text predominated; here, it's the colorful pictures that speak loudest. A wonderful story, no matter which version you have on your shelves. --Stephanie Zvirin
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1All new illustrations infuse this much-loved picture book (Dial, 1973) with energy. Vibrant colors and a larger format make the characters seem to jump out at readers. The original book's sweet, subdued pen-and-ink drawings were a mere appetizer when compared to the feast of colors here, all created from a combination of watercolor, India ink, gouache, pencil, and acrylics. Keeping each scene in a nearly framed vignette, Wells defines and details her illustrations even more than before. The eye-catching drawings and altered word groupings make the story flow better; words and pictures enhance one another to achieve the smooth narrative so necessary for storytelling. Some other differences between new and old: father has given up his pipe; kitchen knives aren't left on the table; and some architectural changes have placed the stair banister on the correct side so Nora won't topple off the side while flying her brother's kite. Nora, the delightful protagonist of the story, is the same; her dilemma hasn't changed one iota. This middle child who continually makes noise to get her parents' attention is really noticed when the silence from her absence saddens her family and starts them hunting for her. This is a Nora for the `90s!Susan Garland, Maynard Public Library, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Despite her noisy occupations, Nora, the middle child, is ignored until the family notices her absence by the quietness. This new edition is large enough for group story time and has new full-color art. While the art lacks the playful subtlety of the original's pen lines, it better reflects the text, with more action and figures that fill the pages. From HORN BOOK 1997, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
