A MISCHIEF OF MICE

A MISCHIEF OF MICE by Christie Matheson

A Mischief of Mice is a super, sweet autumn read focusing on hibernation and the names of groups of animal species.

When a mischief of mice disappears one day, a scurry of squirrels becomes very concerned. They begin to hunt around and ask groups of animals such as a skulk of foxes, a clutter of spiders, a parliament of owls, a prickle of porcupines, and several more if they have seen them. No one is really sure where the little mice have gone, until a sleuth of bears suggests following their tracks.

I was not familiar with several of the names of animal groups that are used in this book. There are some really great ones (like a prickle of porcupines) that are a perfect description, and some that are very interesting! Be sure and take a minute to check out the author's notes at the back of the book where she shared a couple of facts about each group.

The illustrations in the book, also done by Christie Matheson, are are a perfect compliment to the text. Done primarily in black and white watercolor with orange and yellow leaf accents, this book really puts off a great air of fall. Note how the sky starts off gray in the pictures, but by the end of the book, it is black indicating that night has fallen.