School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Spinelli's gentle rhyming countdown starts out with 10 shivering mice huddled together in the snow on Christmas Eve. One by one, they leave the group to find various shelters. After all have found refuge, however, they realize that they do not want to be alone on this particular night, so the little creatures venture into the cold once more to cavort and sing. During these antics, one of the mice spies a hollow log with an ample stash of colorful berries, where they can all nest safely together. Successfully avoiding both religious references and iconic materialism, this soothing read-aloud is brought to life by the soft-hued, pastoral illustrations. Lee's subtle interplay of light and shadow gives depth to the visual drama as the charming mice interact with nature and one another.-Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Lee's luminous paintings set the scene for Spinelli's (The Perfect Christmas) graceful poem about 10 mice trying to stave off the cold on Christmas Eve. Hushed rhymed verse counts down as, one by one, the mice find warmth in such refuges as an abandoned nest, a milkweed pod, and an acorn shell. But "somehow it doesn't feel quite right/ to be without one's friends this night," a dilemma the mice solve by "Singing carols in the snow./ Giggling under mistletoe," and finding a spot big enough for all of them. The glow of moonlight is almost tangible, as it illuminates the snowy landscape dramatically. A cozy holiday book for icy nights. Ages 4-7. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
