'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday 13 December 2018

Review: The Sisters Saint-Claire and the Royal Mouse Ball

The Saint-Claire family is back and just as delightful in this latest book from Carlie Gibson and Tamsin Ainslie.

This time, the whole village has been invited to a royal mouse ball at the palace of Queen Julie S. Cheeser. But the village mice don't want to go because they feel they have nothing suitable to wear.

Enter the inventive and thrifty Sisters Saint-Claire, who come up with a brilliant plan to ensure everyone, including the queen, feels comfortable and glamorous at the ball.

Once again, Gibson's playful rhyme is frothy and light and an absolute treat to read out loud, while Ainslie's illustrations are a smorgasbord of colour and pattern for children (and adults) to pore over.

There are oodles of charming touches, from the fashionable Louis Crouton shoe shop to Dame Marguerite's hat made of fruit. There's even a cute guide for making finger-puppet mice at the end.

Whimsical, endearing and oh-so sweet, this is a book for children who love to dress up and is sure to inspire them to be a little thrifty and concoct their own fabulous costumes from whatever they have in their home. The subtle message of recycling and finding treasure in family and friendship is a timely one for the festive season.

Title: The Sisters Saint-Claire and the Royal Mouse Ball
Author: Carlie Gibson
Illustrator: Tamsin Ainslie
Publisher: Allen & Unwin , $19.99
Publication Date: November 2018
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781760523640
For ages: 4 — 8
Type: Picture Book