It's planting time for Farmer Clem, and the irrepressible Baby Mouse (star of Hurd's Pea Patch Jig and Blackberry Ramble ) returns to create more delightful disturbances. When Mother Mouse asks the doctor to come check on Baby's cold, the diminutive creature--recalling the shot the doctor gave her when last they met--sneaks out of bed and hides in Farmer Clem's package of seeds. Merry mayhem ensues as George, the farmer's cat, makes off with the package and gives chase to Baby Mouse, who gets back into bed just in time to be served tomato soup by her parents. But the spunky mouse's adventures are not over: she has another comical encounter with George, who inspires her to find an ingenious way to dispose of the dreadful medicine the doctor has dispensed. Equally animated, Hurd's prose and pictures present Baby Mouse at her best. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-- Afraid of the doctor who is due to arrive shortly, a sniffling baby mouse runs to hide and is trapped in a package of corn seeds by Farmer Clem's cat. What ensues is a true cat-and-mouse chase, with the diapered rodent coming out ahead. While the illustrations are filled with energy and action, the writing is repetitious, and the story is unfocused. Baby is more bratty than brazen or bold; George, the cat, is simply interested in a packet that sneezes. The title and cover illustration of Baby in the middle of a bowl of tomato soup have nothing to do with the story; it is George who is plunked in it to get rid of the smell of the medicine Baby has dumped on his head, a minor incident among many. Somehow, the sympathy shifts; George becomes the underdog for being true to his nature, as does the doctor, who has also been doused by a dose of Baby's medicine. In the end, Baby trots off merrily, disobedience rewarded. This Soup is missing some seasoning, and some logic, too.
- Trev Jones , School Library Journal
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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