Diary of a Victorian Mouse - Hardcover

In this cheerful, oversize picture book, Mr. Albert Mouse, an ardent versifier, tells of life in Victorian England--the diary in which he penned his observations has, it seems, been discovered in a "dark, old house." Through a variety of short, quirky verses, Mr. Mouse describes a visit to Stonehenge ("Professors meet at ancient places / (See how serious are their faces)"; punting on the River Cam ("Punting is like rowing only more so. / It takes a very special movement of your torso"); a peek inside the House of Commons to "listen while the hot air blows" and many other quintessentially British goings-on. However, it is primarily through Dominguez's enticing illustrations that a sense of time and place really becomes apparent. Children will delight in the well-to-do woodland animals--reminiscent of the Wind in the Willows cast--dressed in shiny black top hats and bow ties. While the verses may not shed new light on British history or culture, their charm and scintillating wit warrant repeat readings. Ages 4-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

K Up-- This is not a diary at all, but rather a collection of verses about English places of interest and Victorian diversions with a cast of animals. The verse is mostly doggerel; few of the rhymes have any potential interest to children. The drawings are well done but overworked and often shaded with black, making the colors dull and muddy. While there are many details in the illustrations for young and old Anglophiles to examine, the text is too uninspired and poorly written to merit purchase consideration. Poor rhymes include: "more" and "begorra"; "elevens" and "heaven." One poem is titled "The Peeler," but the connection to Sir Robert Peel and "Bobby" is unexplained. A book that does not live up to the rich promise of its elegant cover. --Wendy Dellett, formerly at Dumbarton Oaks Byzantine Library, Washington, DC
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.