A mischief of mice

With rhyming text and charming illustrations, this woodland mystery offers an engaging introduction to animal collective nouns. A "mischief of mice" has been having fun among autumn leaves, but when the mice disappear, a "scurry of squirrels" wants to find out why, because, they worry, "we could be next!" Searching the area, the squirrels encounter foxes, spiders, and more, but no one else seems to know where the mice have gone. As the moon rises and it gets colder, the squirrels suspect even more forest denizens, such as the "cauldron of bats." Eventually, a passing "sleuth of bears" brings deft detective work and a reassuring discovery. Vibrant prose and pacing enhance the suspenseful and shivery--though not too scary--elements, while earth-toned watercolors depict the animals in the late-fall woodland setting in varying perspectives, with lots of details for little ones to notice. While some vocabulary might need extra explanation for younger ones, collective animals nouns are a perennially popular topic, and the mystery angle is a refreshing take. Back matter reiterates the 12 highlighted collective nouns and includes additional facts for each animal.

This tale does double duty as an intriguing mystery and a primer on collective nouns for animals. A group of squirrels--called a "scurry"--express concern when a "mischief of mice" who once played in the woods disappear. After the squirrels ask other forest creatures what might have occurred and accuse still others of committing foul deeds, an aptly named "sleuth of bears" step in to solve the puzzle. The game's afoot--literally--as the bears wisely follow tracks in the snow, which lead them to a tree. Could the mice be inside? This delightful, clever book works on several levels: It's an atmospheric tale, told in charming, effortless rhyme, as well as a terrific vocabulary builder that introduces kids to collective nouns such as a "clutter of spiders," a "skulk of foxes," and a "gaze of raccoons." These group names are fun to know, and adults sharing this book with youngsters can extend the learning by exploring the backmatter, which offers more information on the collective nouns, and then by asking kids to consider how well these group names suit the creatures. The pleasant watercolor illustrations portray the animals and the autumn forest setting sweetly but realistically. Give a collective cheer for this tale that will charm kids while imparting fun facts. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.