"...an adventure is something that you normally will never do, and sometimes it's really exciting and sometimes it's even a little scary..."
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The Adventures of Bibole, Rivol & Michelle:
The Curse of the Weremouse by Brian Fujukawa Trafford Publishing
book review by Jenifer Kimble
A tiny mouse named Bibole, along with his mouse parents Michelle and Rivol, live at the base of an oak tree in a forest surrounded by lots of animal friends. This including a rabbit, a skunk, and an even smaller mouse friend Herman who struggles by day with awkwardness and by night with a secret even he doesn't know he carries. One afternoon, a game of tag finds them side by side with a human girl that can not only understand what they're saying but can talk to them as well. Through this chance happening, she introduces them to an entirely new sense of adventure, friendship, and fun. Though scared at first of their new friend Daisy, the animal friends don't know that amongst their little group is the true culprit of childhood bedtime stories and scared, sleepless nights–the weremouse.
This clever story weaves nature with a mythical touch as the animals come to life as tiny characters who call the forest home. Much like human children, they have families, curiosity, and things that go bump in the night. It is a pleasant family read appropriate for all ages but especially younger children. The day and nighttime adventures introduce new characters and allow the reader to see traits of understanding and bravery. Well thought out detail describes the scenery in such a way that the reader is able to envision the sights and sounds of the forest. The beautiful illustrations seem professionally done and provide visuals to young readers who may be reading or listening along. The author appropriately moves through the story to keep the reader engaged and provide enough detail while avoids boring a young reader. The story is set up in such a way to leave room for volume after volume of mouse tales starring these characters and will undoubtedly be the first in a series of clever reads provided by this talented children's author.