Motor Mouse, written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Arthur Howard. Beach Lane Books, 2019. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"The hedgehog invited them
to follow behind his motorcar
for some pie.
Soon they were out of town and
flying over the hills.
"I AM NOT SURE I WILL LIKE
PIE AS WELL AS CAKE,"
shouted Telly over the roar.
Motor Mouse said nothing.
He was busy keeping up with
the hedgehog's motorcar. It was
a mighty machine."

I have enjoyed Cynthia Rylant's writing for many years. Her works are varied, and number more than 100 books. I know I have not read them all. I have read many of them, and shared them with my students and my own children. So, I am delighted to see this first book in a new series about Motor Mouse and Friends.

I did think that Motor Mouse was a little reckless when I looked at the cover. Turns out that first impressions do not always hold weight when faced with the real thing. There are three delightful chapters in this tale about a delivery mouse who drives a little red car from place to place. Neither of those facts is of great importance for the telling. There are three chapters. Each has a different focus: a cake day, a trip to familiar places, and an argument about popcorn.

Motor Mouse and Telly (his good friend) love cake. They look forward to Friday because it has been designated Cake Day.  Upon arrival, they find the cake shop shut, and no cake available. They are visibly distraught. Hedgehog offers an alternative. Might pie work? I wonder.

In the second we learn that, while Motor Mouse does love his car, he rarely notices anything as he drives about as he must keep his eye on the road at all times. Hiring a cab provides a solution and a 'look-about' down memory lane. The cab driver is willing, with help from his tiny passenger on destinations. It is a mostly pleasing trip.

Finally, in the third, Motor Mouse and Valentino (his brother) spend another Saturday at the movie theatre. It's a wonderful place to be entertained. It also causes great grief over the popcorn bucket deal. Will they learn how to share? 

Heartwarming as we have come to expect from such a dedicated and thoughtful writer, and humorous, and engaging, and with a new hero for little ones to emulate. Memorable characters, pleasing friendships, and perfectly matched artwork auger well for young readers looking to find a new series.