Mina

*Mina the mouse is used to her eccentric father bringing home random items from the outside world.... She is, however, a bit concerned when he brings home what is clearly a cat, though her father insists that it’s a squirrel and invites the furry feline to stay.... Amusingly dry storytelling gives a wispy plot some edge...  The art really steals the show, especially the sly-eyed, oversized cat who looms over the pages with razor sharp claws and an expression that moves too comfortably between feigned innocence and determined menace.... Simple dialogue and stealthy repetition will boost a budding reader while some of the more sophisticated vocabulary will stretch their skills, and a surprise savior povides an opportunity for dramatic interpretation during a humorous read aloud.  * Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books -- * STARRED REVIEW* *
*Matthew Forsythe brings to Mina a dry, droll humor and exquisite watercolor, gouache and colored-pencil illustrations. Patterns abound in the earth-toned pages: flower parasols, pack baskets, stylized butterflies, "antique art" (postage stamps). Mina's "obsessive reader" poses--on her belly on the floor, in a homemade tent, in bed, on her back, even on the back of the cat--will feel exactly right to every bookworm lucky enough to find this treasure.
Discover: A mouse named Mina must contend with the "surprise" her father brings home in this funny (for all ages!) picture book, beautifully illustrated and full of unexpected details.  * Shelf Awareness, *STARRED REVIEW* *
Soft, organic forms; fields of glowing color; and shadowy backdrops create a dreamy world in which Forsythe transforms the trying experiences of everyday life into a deliciously suspenseful fantasy. * Publishers Weekly  *
*A wickedly humorous cat and mouse tale. Many young readers will identify with Mina, who is so obviously correct and so unjustly dismissed.... Forsythe's wry, concise text is enhanced by stylized and whimsical illustrations in watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil.  The visual storytelling is exquisite, drawing readers in to search for the small details, such as the direction of a character's gaze, that tell the real story. The book as a whole is engaging, perfectly paced and full of controlled suspense and biting humor. VERDICT This expertly crafted and delightfully quirky picture book is recommended for first purchase.
  * School Library Journal, *STARRED REVIEW *
 *An unpredictable and uproarious tale, a pleasing blend of Forsythe’s (Pokko and
the Drum, 2019) trademark dry wit and obvious affection. The soft watercolor, gouache, and
colored pencil illustrations conjure a cozy, colorful world of snug burrows, clever details, and
terrific expressions. Marvelous mouse-sized mischief for all ages. *  Booklist - *STARRED REVIEW* *
*Mina ... is whip-smart and patiently suffers a well-intentioned but hapless parent. The illustrations [have] are also reminiscent of Pokko with their velvety textures; palette of beautiful coppers, crimsons, and forest greens; and warm glow that emanates from nearly every spread. More, please, of Forsythe’s richly imagined forest worlds. * The Horn Book Magazine, *STARRED REVIEW *