The lost mitten

Rabbit and Mouse find a cheery red mitten in the snow beside some . . . "TRACKS!" Although Rabbit invokes the law of "Finders keepers!"--plopping the mitten over one ear and declaring it "a hat!"--the friends set off in search of the mitten's rightful owner. Their eventful journey includes a snack break at Squirrel's cozy tree, some punkish behavior from Badger, and an unexpected detour for Rabbit when the mitten-hat catches unwanted attention. Rabbit struggles to relinquish his new possession when the pair reaches the hilltop home of the mitten's owner, but Mouse makes a compelling case and Rabbit finds a silly solution to their problems. The relatable allure of a newfound object coupled with a familiar friendship and constant, zany action should engage new readers. The graphic-novel format offers expressive illustrations that support straightforward text--exclusively dialogue captured in speech bubbles. Thick, black lines frame both the characters and art panels, and a pleasing variety of page layouts sustains visual interest. Just don't be surprised when mittens become headgear this winter!

PreS-Gr 3--In an adventure that takes common turns, the outcome of the lost mitten has an adorable payoff along with a lesson learned. When Rabbit and Mouse come across a lost mitten, they go on a quest to find its rightful place. While Mouse is steadfast in the journey by seeking out the help of friends, Rabbit seems reluctant to return the mitten as the expedition goes on, and even uses the newly found item as a hat, covering one long ear. Illustrations perfectly match the narrative; thicker outlines make the artwork feel modern, while the simple color palette provides a cozy, timeless feel. A straightforward vocabulary of short words and short repetitive sentences makes this an easy and accessible book for even the youngest reader. VERDICT A great addition to a terrific series.--Peter Blenski