Douglas by Randy Cecil

Douglas is the illustrated story of a mouse who lives in a movie theater and survives on popcorn people drop when they miss their mouths. One day she takes a nap in the pocket of a young girl's sweater and finds herself away from home for the first time in her life. (In case you think I've made a mistake; I haven't. Douglas is indeed a female mouse!) In her quest to return home, Douglas faces many obstacles (hungry street cats for one) and makes a new friend.

While this book may appear lengthy for a young reader, it is actually written more like a picture book with illustrations on every page and limited text. Cecil breaks his story into four acts which are subdivided into very short chapters. I recommend this book to young readers who are ready for beginning chapter books and who appreciate quirky but beautiful illustration work.

Note: Randy Cecil's book Lucy comes before this book and is considered a companion book. I have added it to our library wish list!

Mrs. N.