Cinco de Mouse-O!
What It Is
Mouse wakes up on May 5th to the scent of “beany, cheesy, ricey” smells. He hunts for the aromas’ source and finds them at a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Mouse has a ball eating all the crumbs that people drop from authentic Mexican dishes such as tacos, tamales and chorizos, and sets his sights on a candy-filled piñata. Mouse’s fun ends when Cat begins chasing Mouse through the fiesta, past the lively dancers and mariachi band. Mouse finds refuge, at last, on top of the piñata, but as the children start to take swings at it, Cat patiently waits for Mouse to fall into his paws. When the piñata finally breaks, someone steps on Cat’s tail in all the candy-grabbing melee and he runs off, leaving Mouse behind. By this time, all the candy has been snatched up, and Mouse begins his walk home empty-handed. Until ... he sees a lone lemon candy, which he joyfully brings home for his own Cinco de Mouse-O celebration.
Why It’s Fun
This is a fun story with lively illustrations that is a great classroom or at-home read to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. But if you are looking for a book about the history and origins of the Mexican fiesta, this isn’t it. However, teachers and parents could use the book as springboard for some additional research with the children about this holiday and celebrations from other cultures, if they so choose.
Who’s Going To Love It
Pre-K to third grade children in the publisher’s recommended age group are the perfect audience. This is a high-quality picture book with a humorous story that is certainly worth an annual read after a tasty meal of enchiladas and sopapillas.
Reading Time
About 3 minutes
Read-It-Again Points
8 out of 10
Book Information
CINCO DE MOUSE-O!
Written by: Judy Cox; Illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler
Published by: Holiday House (2010)
Approximate retail price: $16.95 (hardcover only)
Publisher’s recommended ages: 4-8
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