The Mole Sisters and the Blue Egg. Roslyn Schwartz. Toronto, ON: Annick Press, 2001. 32 pp., pbk. & cl., $4.95 (pbk.), $14.95 (cl.). ISBN 1-55037-704-3 (pbk.), ISBN 1-55037-705-1 (cl.). Preschool / Ages 2-4. Review by Lisa M. Sykes *** /4
	The Mole Sisters and the Moonlit Night. Roslyn Schwartz. Toronto, ON: Annick Press, 2001. 32 pp., pbk. & cl., $4.95 (pbk.), $14.95 (cl.). ISBN 1-55037-702-7 (pbk.), ISBN 1-55037-703-5 (cl.). Subject Headings: Moles (Animals)-Juvenile fiction. Moon-Juvenile fiction. Wishes-Juvenile fiction. Preschool / Ages 2-4. Review by Lisa M. Sykes *** /4

exerpt:

The world is a beautiful place and anything can happen on a beautiful moonlit night.
''La bella luna,'' sang the mole sisters in Italian, and gazed up at the night sky.
''Oh look!''
''A shooting star.''
''Quick-- let's make a wish.''

The mole sisters are the animal stars of a new series for preschoolers written and illustrated by Roslyn Schwartz. The two sisters are the best of friends and, as a result of their curiosity and creativity, find themselves involved in many adventures. Currently, there are five titles in the series from which to choose.

In The Mole Sisters and the Blue Egg, the two siblings set out to find something, even though they aren't quite sure what that something is. While they are searching, they discover a tree trunk which leads them up a staircase and onto a branch of the tree where a bird's nest sits. Eventually, they uncover a blue egg and decide that this was exactly what they were looking for.

The Mole Sisters and the Moonlit Night tells the tale of the sisters' evening boat ride and chance viewing of a shooting star. After making a wish, the moles find themselves on the moon, gazing down at the world. After seeing the shooting star for a second time, the sisters wish to return and, once they do so, they appreciate their home even more.

From the very opening line, the optimism of the sisters is readily apparent. The positive mood and upbeat language continue throughout the short stories. The characters are likeable because they are confident yet caring.

As noted, the series is definitely geared to young readers. The small size of the books (6" x 6") and the even tinier illustrations (3" x 2.5") make them far better suited for lap reading than group story-times. Minimal text is used on each page (sometimes a single word), and the action moves very quickly.

Schwartz's illustrations actually tell the tale. The blended colours and many details in her drawings are very appealing.

Preschoolers will enjoy these mini-adventures. The stories end on a positive note, emphasizing their message that life is wonderful when shared with a friend.

Recommended.

Lisa Sykes has worked in Winnipeg as an early years teacher and teacher librarian. She is currently enjoying her time at home with her two young children.

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

NEXT REVIEW |TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - February 1, 2002.

AUTHORS | TITLES | MEDIA REVIEWS | PROFILES | BACK ISSUES | SEARCH | CMARCHIVE | HOME