________________ CM . . . . Volume XVIII Number 30 . . . . April 6, 2012

cover

Millie the Mouth.

Freddi French.
Montreal, PQ: Pass Press, 2011.
61 pp., hardcover, $14.95.
ISBN 978-0-9867066-1-5.

Preschool-grade 1 / Ages 3-6.

Review by Inderjit Deogun.

*** /4

   

excerpt:

Of course I talk!
I'm a talking pro!
I'm not an ordinary mouse,
You know.
You may have noticed
I'm bigger than most.


In fact, I'm the biggest
From coast to coast!
And my great big stomach
Has nothing in it.
I've got to eat something
This very minute!


Millie is no ordinary mouse. In fact, she's as big as a house. The same can be said for her appetite. With Millie's hunger growing by the second, she enlists Sara and Paul to help her make a chicken potpie. However, the twins soon begin to question Millie's cooking abilities when she puts just about everything within reach into her dish except chicken.

internal art      Freddi French's use of alternating rhyming couplets makes Millie the Mouth incredibly fun to read. However, there are times when the pattern is inconsistent. Younger readers may find it difficult to maintain the pace, which is of the utmost importance to the reading experience. Readers will also recognize the striking similarities to Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat. Although the plot parallels the Seuss classic in structure, it must be noted that French's characterization of Millie is vastly different. Unlike The Cat in the Hat, Millie is not out to make trouble but simply to satisfy her hunger. Millie the Mouth is an entertaining read that will be enjoyed by both children and parents.

Recommended.

A resident of Mississauga, ON, Inderjit Deogun is currently pursuing a career in publishing with a particular interest in children's literature.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.
Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364
Hosted by the University of Manitoba.
 

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