Wild Symphony

PreS-Gr 2--Maestro Mouse guides readers on this wild musical ride. Readers follow him through jungles, pods, trees, fields, and seas to explore the animal kingdom. As readers learn about each type of animal, Maestro also reveals something new, with a secret lesson or two hiding on every page. The armadillo, who has a shell to keep out the bad things, reminds readers that "it's okay to block out the bad things, but don't forget to open up and invite the good things in." Brown does not disappoint with his picture book debut. Rhyming poems accompanied by Batori's detailed, animated illustrations share each animal's story and helpful lesson. An added feature of this musical book can be found on the inside cover; Brown's original musical compositions accompany each page--one for each animal--and can be accessed through an interactive smartphone app. VERDICT A delightful musical debut sure to be a hit at story hours.--Elizabeth Blake, Fields Corner Lib., Dorchester, MA

Bestselling adult author Brown shares a menagerie of lighthearted animal poems, each composed of four sets of couplets, as Maestro Mouse introduces readers to musical animal friends, who gather at the end for a "big surprise." Nearly every page introduces an animal through whimsical, nonsensical, and occasionally onomatopoeic lines ("Bounce and eat--Ka-chew! Ka-chew!/ Bounce asleep--Ka-snooze! Ka-snooze!" reads the kangaroo's entry). Kittens, stingrays, hippos, and frogs are all present, with little organizational transition between habits or habitats. Batori's assortment of digitally rendered, cartoonishly expressive animals and colorful landscapes complement the text; the creators further supplement with an aphorism beneath each poem, "a hidden game" to be played, and accompanying music via QR code. Though the busy volume feels unfocused, its interactive format allows for various levels of entertainment. An author's note shares Brown's musical background and a last coded message. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)