"Hugo tiptoed across the mantel.
There was the big tree!
But there were no garlands. No bows.
No big, sparkly star.
Just a plain old tree ...
... and a man!"
Little ones will be overjoyed to meet this tiny mouse family, and watch as they make all the necessary preparations for Christmas fun. As the man sits quietly downstairs, knowing that a blizzard will keep his family from visiting for the holidays, every member of the mouse family is just the opposite. They are bustling!
Gramps is helping engineer the tasks. Gran is busy telling her grandkids about Christmas spirit, brought on by watching as the tree is decorated. Hugo is too hungry to feel the spirit that his Gran is describing. The family is in awe of their beautiful tree; Gramps remembers last year's tree downstairs. It was decorated by old William's family when they were home for the holidays.
Hugo wants to see it; Mother reminds that he is not allowed downstairs until he is much older. Hugo knows that but his curiosity is strong and he finds it very difficult to wait. He sneaks away in the dark of night. He does not know that others are following. He is surprised to find there is nothing special about the much bigger tree. It has no decorations.
When a picture crashes to the floor, the three tiny mice are discovered by the man! Hugo urges his siblings to run for home while he provides distraction. Fully understanding that Hugo's family will be distraught should anything happen to him, the man releases him.
Old William's kindness is the spark that ignites a plan to bring some joy to the lonely man. The result of their benevolence is quite a splendid change for all.
"On Christmas Day, the house on the corner
was quiet upstairs ...
... and joyful downstairs,
as the big, bustling Mouse family joined William for dinner."
Leah Hong uses gouache and colored pencils to create the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the season. Her attention to detail will have little ones poring over every scene and making new discoveries each time the tale is shared.
What a charming family read for any family during the holiday season!
No comments:
Post a Comment