Bravo, Livingstone Mouse! - Hardcover

Livingstone Mouse (1996) returns to the scene in a musically themed adventure. A gathering of woodland creatures preparing for a dance performance are nothing but tangled feet (or slithery knots in the case of the snakes) because they ain't got that swing. Then Livingstone Mouse comes to the rescue with a little rhythm, in a cheery tale that doubles as a modest natural-history lesson. An evening of dance is scheduled in the forest, but as Livingstone comes across the performers, he finds problems, problems, problems: the foxes are trotting on each others toes; the snakes turn the twist into a sheepshank; and the centipede can't get the clog dance right ("he keeps tripping over his boots"). In each instance, Livingstone politely mentions, "I think your rhythm's off." The artists tell him, in so many words, to mind his own P's and Q's; but their coaches agree with Livingstone, and he gathers them in his wake as he proceeds from one debacle to the next. The mouse and the coaches form Livingstone Mouse and His Insect Band to provide the necessary ingredient to make the dance a success-the beat. While the story has a pleasing progression with rhythmically repeating sequences, it also manages (in its own droll way) to convey an introduction to an entire company of animals that one might encounter in the woods, as well as a couple of sharply drawn, unusual insects: a cicada and a katydid. Cole's (The Wacky Wedding, 1999, etc.) artwork is perfectly silly, with lots of commanding two-page spreads in forest greens that make clear the laughable situations Livingstone has found. And a-one, and a-two, keep that rhythm Livingstone. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright © 2000 Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

PreSchool-Grade 1-Livingstone sets off to explore the Wild Wood where various creatures are unsuccessfully preparing for a dance recital. The foxes are practicing their fox trot, but end up trouncing on each other's paws. The snakes are doing their own version of "The Twist," getting more tangled and frustrated by the minute. And the centipede is trying to do a clog dance, but keeps tripping over his boots. Livingstone assesses the situation and comes to the conclusion that their "rhythm is off." Not surprisingly, the would-be performers don't appreciate the little rodent's suggestions. Then, along with some insects that have been watching the rehearsals, he forms "Livingstone Mouse and His Insect Band," which hums and clicks and buzzes tunes that the animals can actually dance to, and the evening is a great success. The story, however, is rather predictable. From the first rejection that Livingstone receives, readers know that he will save the day. The appealing watercolor-and-acrylic illustrations depict a pudgy hero and myriad other creatures. While the drawings help to carry the rather weak plot, the book is still a supplemental purchase.
Roxanne Burg, Thousand Oaks Library, CA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.