ANNOTATION

Updates Aesop's fable as Bernelly, a fly-fishing instructor, is introduced to the excitement of city life by her cousin, Harriet, who then accompanies Bernelly to the peaceful countryside in search of artistic inspiration.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

In this perky twist on a favorite tale, two mouse cousins appreciate that there's no place like home after spending time on each other's turf. Country mouse Bernelly likes nothing better than teaching fly-fishing in the nearby river in the good weather and tying beautiful flies in her cottage through the winter. City mouse Harriet paints in her apartment/studio in between dining out, exploring parks and museums, and enjoying the ballet. The two mice eventually cross paths when Bernelly's need for a new pair of boots prompts a shopping trip to the city (and a visit to Harriet). After a busy week of sightseeing, Bernelly longs for home. ("It is just too crowded and noisy here," she says of the city). Harriet, curious to experience the joys of country living, accompanies Bernelly on the trip back. But finding the riverbank too quiet, Harriet is soon eager to return to "the noise, the smells, the shopping!" of Boston. Dahlie's (Henrietta) text clicks along, peppered with plenty of humorous, contemporary details. The expressions on each of the heroine's faces convey the evidence of these fish out of water, whether Bernelly's discomfort as she tries on a pair of red high-heel shoes while searching for her boots or Harriet's ennui as she listens to "tales of trout" at her cousin's dinner party. Her gouache paintings a cross between Petra Mathers and Kevin Henkes capture the best of both mouse worlds and convey the gentle joviality and affection of the story. Ages 4-8. (Apr.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature - Cheryl Peterson

This is a charming update on the classic Aesop fable stars Bernelly, the country mouse, and Harriet, the city mouse. Bernelly lives in the country and spends most of her time teaching fly-fishing and making beautiful flies. Harriet is a famous artist who lives and paints in her cozy apartment in the heart of the city. Bernelly springs a leak in one of her boots, so she decides to visit her cousin in the city to get a new pair. Bernelly has fun exploring city life, but begins to feel overwhelmed and insists that Harriet visit her in the country. Harriet enjoys relaxing in the country, but is soon bored to tears by Bernelly's favorite flies. Each mouse tries hard to enjoy the other's lifestyle but each decides that she is happier at home. The lovely detailed illustrations capture the differences between the two mice. 2002, Little Brown and Company,

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-This modern take on the classic story features delicate pastel-toned gouache illustrations. Bernelly lives in the country and works as a fly-fishing instructor. When she needs a new pair of boots, she decides to go to the city to get them, and visit her cousin Harriet as well. After a week, poor Bernelly is overwhelmed, and she invites her cousin back to enjoy a relaxing stay in the country. Harriet, however, is not impressed with fly-fishing, gardening, or dinnertime full of long stories about trout, and is even happier with her city home when she returns. Dahlie's illustrations are breathtaking, often creating beautiful landscapes from the merest hints of shadow and color. It is slightly disturbing to see that, while Bernelly endures her stay in the city with a smile, Harriet spends the entire time in the country with a condescending expression on her face. This stereotype aside, the cousins' affection for one another shines through, and this beautifully illustrated rendering of the story will find a home in larger collections.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews