Bernelly & Harriet: The Country Mouse and the City Mouse

"Bernelly was a country mouse. She lived west of the city in a small village that had everthing a mouse could need-except a shoe shop. From spring through fall Bernelly was a fly-fishing instructor... And in winter she spent her time tying beautiful flies." But a leaky boot sends her to the city for new shoes and a visit with cousin Harriet. "Harriet was a famous artist, and her home was also her studio. In winter she painted glorious masterpieces... And in summer she traveled to exotic places that might inspire her." Harriet was thrilled to have Bernelly visit, and took her all over the city, sightseeing and shopping, and by the end of the week, Bernelly was exhausted. "It is just too crowded and noisy here. I miss being able to sit quietly by the river watching my beautiful trout." Harriet was intrigued with such a simple, quiet life. "Perhaps it will inspire me." But of course, country life was not the life for her. Harriet was bored with fishing and gardening, napping and "dinner parties with exciting tales of trout." She missed the "hustle and bustle of city life-the noise, the smells, the shopping!" and heads back to the city, where surprisingly, she finds country life did inspire her, in its own way.....Elizabeth Dahlie's modern retelling of an old, favorite fable is playful and entertaining. Her engaging text is only outdone by her charming and endearing illustrations, rendered in soft, pastel tones, and filled with marvelous eye-catching detail and humor. Perfect for youngsters 3-7, Bernelly & Harriet is a warm and captivating read aloud with a gentle message that won't be lost on little ones...there's no place like home.

This is a delightful new version of the Country Mouse and the City Mouse. Bernelly's an independent country mouse who loves her life. Her jaunty attire of red scarf and black boots suit her life style as a fly-fishing instructor. She spends her leisure time tying flies and reading. Her library has an eclectic group of books that include, THE KENYON REVIEW, HENRIETTA, and THE VILLAGE, which indicate that she's a well read young mouse. Of course, her favorite books are about fly-fishing. When Bernelly realizes that she needs new boots, she decides to visit her cousin Harriet for a shopping trip to the city. Harriet's a stylish city mouse who wears gold loop earrings, and has a distinctive flair for clothes. Her sophisticated life as a famous artist allows for exotic travel and shopping. She's delighted to have Bernelly visit and takes her all over town seeing the sights. Bernelly's a bit overwhelmed and home sick, and invites Harriet to visit the country. When the city cousin visits the country, she's not overwhelmed, she's a little bored with the fly-fishing, gardening and the slow pace of life. In spite of the fact that the two mice have different life styles, they seem to enjoy an affectionate relationship which adds a nice warmth to the story. I enjoyed the detail that Elizabeth Dahlie put into her illustrations. My favorite images are of Bernelly and Harriet walking hand in hand down a cobblestone city street where a flower pot reflects a house number--a delicious tea, served on blue and white china at Putney's Tea Shop-- shopping at an expensive shoe store--and, a mixed group of Bernelly's friends sharing a conversation at dinner. Each page of this enchanting book is filled with wonderful pictures. A well done book that children will love.