Charlie & Mouse & Grumpy

August 1, 2017
Grumpy is coming for a stay, and nothing gets better than that for two little siblings.Grumpy is gramps, and there isn't a grumpy bone in this old man's body. Indeed, Grumpy is the master of dry drollery. Grumpy has come to visit Charlie and Mouse, biracial children with a white mom and an Asian dad. Their paternal grandfather, Grumpy, is a champ because he engages the kids on their turf. "You are getting big!" notes Grumpy, in this four-interlude early reader, conveyed in words that don't fill the mouth too full and are caught in a nice syncopation. Charlie is "getting so big," but Mouse shakes his head. "I am not getting big." Grumpy tells him, "You are bigger than you were. You are not getting small." After some prompting and thinking, Mouse declares, "I am getting medium." Medium needs a little help but not a lot of help, like for swimming or reading. As for hot dogs, big likes mustard, medium not so much. (Grumpy concedes he's medium when it comes to hot dogs.) So it goes for pouncing on sleepers and building a fort and eating pizza and lullabies. (Like mustard, singing isn't a Grumpy thing; Charlie takes the chore.) The only slip is in the last chapter, which gets a tad mistily metaphorical and sugarcoated for the rest of the sparkling work. Affection that is as comfortable as Grumpy's old cardigan. (Early reader. 6-9)

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January 1, 2018
In this sequel to Charlie & Mouse, four chapters detail small moments shared by two brothers and a visiting grandfather-figure, Grumpy. The exuberant text is large and clear with plenty of white space. Thoughtful word repetition ensures that the chapters build with a steady rhythm. Soft, muted illustrations with imprecise outlines match the narrative's balance of cozy and playful.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

November 1, 2017
In this sequel to picture-book/easy-reader hybrid Charlie & Mouse (rev. 7/17), four chapters detail small moments shared by two brothers and a visiting grandfather-figure, Grumpy. Together they discuss being medium (it's when you are no longer small but not yet big), hang out in a blanket fort on Mom and Dad's date night, and more. Grumpy's love for the boys--and theirs for him--shines through as they all three prepare hot dogs; the kids draw pictures while Grumpy snoozes in a recliner ( It looked a lot like a nap; I was just resting my eyes ); and they watch a not-too-scary dragon movie together. When it is time for Grumpy to return home, the deflated boys cuddle into his arms for a gentle goodbye. They later draft a handwritten letter: You forgot your toothbrushP.S. Come back soon, which just might occur in a future series installment. The exuberant text is large and clear, with plenty of white space. Thoughtful word repetition ensures that the chapters build with a steady rhythm. Soft, muted illustrations with imprecise outlines match the narrative's balance of cozy and playful. elisa gall

(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from October 1, 2017

K-Gr 2-Those adorable moptop siblings Charlie and Mouse are back, this time spending quality time with their visiting grandfather, Grumpy. In four charming chapters, the brothers compare notes on getting "bigger" and the merits of being "medium"; inform Grumpy of the finer points of the proper pounce; enjoy Grumpy Night while their parents go on a date, and instruct the reluctant crooner in singing the right goodnight song; and, at their visit's end, give the man a sweet and tender send-off. Snyder's writing is spare and unadorned but steeped in the sensibilities, wit, and logic of childhood. The dialogue is spot-on and delightful. These boys are best buds, and Grumpy engages with them where they are, while still being a responsible adult. Hughes perfectly captures the action and interaction in earth-toned images that help set the warm, homey tone and reinforce the gentle humor. VERDICT Beginning chapter book readers and read-aloud listeners will love spending time with Charlie and Mouse and Grumpy.-Luann Toth, School Library Journal

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