Age Range 4-8

In other books I'm reading, I'm currently working my way through Arthur Rackham's illustrated version of Aesop's fables, so the story of the town mouse and the country mouse who switch abodes is fresh in my mind. Aesop's version is obviously very concise, but I very much enjoyed Jan Brett's heavily illustrated and slightly expanded text. The contrast between the woodland setting (a staple in Brett's work, though generally covered in snow) and the town house (an easy win for luxurious backgrounds and Brett's signature detail) is extremely well done and may actually be one of Brett's strongest books to date. Brett is known for her Scandinavian and central-European snow-covered landscapes, but it was a lovely change to see her tackle the lush greenery of a summertime forest since she is no less a master of working in overabundant colour than in carefully warmed whites. The book is also a good reimagining of Aesop's classic fable - showing readers the benefits and disadvantages of each way of living, and providing a conclusion that is rife with humour. Only Brett would see the run-in between the predatory owl and cat as a moment of comedic reflection, and this careful turn of story is sure to bring a laugh to any reader. ( )

After trading houses, the country mice and the town mice discover there's no place like home.

I loved the message that there truly is no place like home. I think we sometimes think that what others have may be better then that of our own. And while yes is is important to step out and try new things. It is also important to grateful for the things we do have and make sure not to take them for granted. I think this book did a very good job at portraying this message. ( )

Who doesn't love Jan Brett's detailed illustrations, full of color and hidden stories? Like so many of her other books, Town Mouse, Country Mouse doesn't disappoint. Two mice couples, one living in the country and one living in town, decide they each need a break from their homes and wind up trading spaces, thinking the other will be more relaxing than their daily existence. LIttle do they know the perils they will each face. They quickly realize that their own home is one where they know the dangers and quickly move home. The side stories we so often see in Brett's books tells the stories of a country owl and a city cat, each trying to make a meal of the mice. The last page of the book wraps up their story in a very humorous way. ( )