From School Library Journal
reSchool-An energetic mouse romps through his day in a lively introduction to the animals of the farm, told in a chain format. The little creature meets the barnyard denizens, hears the noises they make, and continues on his way. At the end of the story, worn out with the excitement of his day, the mouse cuddles up with some of his toy animals. The repetitive verses make it easy for children to anticipate the next animal and sound. However, they are forced into a tight rhyme scheme, and sometimes become stilted in that effort. The Fimo-clay-sculpted illustrations are full of action, and the detail in the characters and landscape invite close inspection. Each picture is packed with texture and life, from the largest calf to the smallest bug. Fernandes has created an entire world in this farm, and children will enjoy exploring it. In spite of some awkward text, this book encourages interaction and is a good choice for toddler storytimes and lap sharing.
Susan Marie Pitard, formerly at Weezie Library for Children, Nantucket Atheneum, MA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Ages 2-5. Sculpted from vibrantly colored, extremely pliable modeling material, Kim Fernandes' imaginative farmyard scenes ebulliently depict a mouse, a dog, a pig, a sheep, and other animals playing together. Spiderwebs in the barn, crops sprouting in the field, are examples of the highly defined details that fill the joyful three-dimensional art. Eugenie Fernandes, the illustrator's mother, provides the text of simply structured rhymes, which, with each turn of the page, induct a new animal into the action and invite youngsters to respond aloud: "The happy little cat / goes scampering away, / racing with a noisy duck. / What does the little duck say? / Quack! Quack!" From calling out each animal's distinctive sound to discovering the crawling ladybug, mouse's straw hat, and the diminutive toys the young rodent takes to bed, children will find much to like in this pleasing picture book. Ellen Mandel
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
Eugenie Fernandes’ rhyming text is bright and appealing. Kim Fernandes’ intricate three-dimensional Fimo illustrations are full of life and movement. They also enrich the story with charming visual repetition. This book should prove to be a popular read-aloud story and a hit with its young audience.
About the Author
Eugenie Fernandes is an award-winning picture book author and illustrator. Her many works include the Little Mouse series, Earth Magic, One Hen and Kitten's Spring. She lives in southern Ontario.
Kim Fernandes is an award-winning children's book author and illustrator. Her books include Sleepy Little Mouse and Busy Little Mouse. She lives in southern Ontario.
