Rumie goes rafting

Adventurous Rumie wants to go rafting, but when he is too impatient to wait for his uncle to help him, he almost meets with disaster. The narrative itself is simple, though the illustrations are anything but: the author crafted puppet models of mice-like creatures, designed and constructed their clothes, built small sets for them, then photographed each scene. The indoor scenes are like those from a dollhouse, if the house were a hollow tree full of charming details. The story really shines, however, when it moves outdoors. Little Rumie and Uncle Hawthorne build the raft out of twigs and bark, using colorful ribbons to complete the mast. Rumie is ready to go, but Uncle Hawthorne goes in search of life vests. Rumie gives the raft just a little test--but the current is swift and the raft takes off, pulling Rumie toward a waterfall. The photorealistic juxtaposition of the puppet posed in the water itself gives the story natural energy that will be intriguing to young readers. The ending, of Rumie dreaming about flying, sets up a possible sequel.

Photos of endearing plush critters bring to life the adventures of an impetuous young hero. Rumie has a harelike white head, curved ears shorter than a rabbit's, smoothly fuzzy but not plush fur, an orange bodysuit over a firm, flexible frame, and a long, striped, tufted tail. Uncle Hawthorne, clearly of the same species, sports a smart tweed vest. Convincingly posed on a tiny bentwood bridge, Rumie regretfully sees that the stream is too low for Uncle Hawthorne's rowboat. But a ladybug floating on a leaf sparks inspiration: a raft! Uncle is on board with the idea, and together they build a small craft, with ribbons trailing from the mast. Rumie is eager to go, and when Uncle says that life vests will be needed for their safety test tomorrow, Rumie doesn't listen. In the morning, Uncle oversleeps, so Rumie leaves to "just check on the raft." Rumie unties it, pushes it into the water, and jumps aboard. Excitement ("I'm sailing!") turns to alarm at some unexpected rapids, until Uncle averts disaster. There's no scolding or punishment, but Rumie realizes: "I think I should have waited for you this morning." The photos are cleverly done, with objects and accessories to scale, and the pair's enchanting home's interior, apparently inside a hollow tree, evokes the settings of Mary Norton's The Borrowers (1952). Enticing and adorable. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.