cover image The Other Side of the Wall

The Other Side of the Wall

Denis Woychuk. Lothrop, Lee and Shepard Books, $13.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-688-09894-0

A beguiling and truly odd couple--Gustav, a mouse inventor, and Mimi, a hippopotamus ballerina--admire each other from afar. Separated by a massive stone wall, the two carry on a courtship by exchanging witty conversation and enchanting songs. Finally overcome by their desire to meet, Mimi and her suitor race to concoct wall-hurdling devices. After a botched first attempt, Mimi literally makes a breakthrough that enables her to encounter the hippo of her dreams--who turns out to be a mouse. And when Gustav realizes the mouse of his dreams is a hippo, he kindly exclaims, ``You are so much more than I hoped for!'' Woychuk's tale is intelligent and comical confirmation that looks aren't everything. Howard's spirited palette and quirky characterizations are the perfect complement to this heartwarming story of a successful blind date. A refreshing debut. Ages 4-up. (Sept.)