On the fifth of May, Mouse wakes to the smell of delicious foods and follows his nose until he discovers a festive scene: bright flags, children playing, mariachis, and people shouting, "Viva Mexico!" After being stalked by a cat and nearly trampled by enthusiastic children, Mouse still ends the day triumphantly, having experienced the fun of Cinco de Mayo. A brief introductory note explains the significance of the holiday, but Cox focuses on the day's celebratory activities, illustrated in Ebbeler's exuberant pictures. Another winner from the team behind One Is a Feast for Mouse (2008).

Mouse is ready for another fiesta adventure ( One is a Feast for Mouse , 2009). It is the fifth of May, and the blend of aromas of Mexican food hits Mouse's little house—an old clock—and wakes him up. Mouse leaves his cubbyhole and wanders through the house, where kids, Mom and Dad are engaged in their everyday activities. The "beany, cheesy, ricey smells" take Mouse out of the house, through the streets to the city park. There Mouse finds a busy street festival: papel picado decorations, food, dancers, a live mariachi band and children and adults enjoying a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Mouse cannot resist the temptation to jump on top of the colorful pinata to get the candy inside—but will this be Cat's golden opportunity? Ebbeler's feisty full-page illustrations of the world from Mouse's perspective expand on Cox's ebullient text and enchanting story line, establishing the adorable Mouse as a character that children, parents, teachers and librarians will want to follow from one celebration to the next. Ebbeler's color-soaked illustrations avoid stereotypes and are a refreshing approach to Mexican folk art and traditions. (Picture book. 4-8)

K-Gr 2 First challenged by Cat in One Is a Feast for Mouse: A Thanksgiving Tale (Holiday House, 2008), Mouse wakes up to a spicy adventure on May 5th, teased with tantalizing, nose-twitching aromas from his neighborhood Cinco de Mayo festival. A palette of pastels and acrylic paint details Mouse's innocent stroll (relentlessly stalked by careful Cat on the prowl) to the park until sights and sounds confront him with the reflection of his heart's desirean enormous tree-hung, candy-stuffed piñata. Ebbeler places readers up close and personal with a spread of the mouse viewing an elusive piñata, followed by a sombrero-seat view of the mariachi band, twirling skirts, and stamping heels. Visuals from unusual perspectives propel the action, while text and art on other pages reveal quieter "mouse" emotions. With a tightrope-balanced Mouse and a wild ride atop the burro piñata, this action-packed tale combines Mexican tradition with adventure for young readers. Mary Elam, Learning Media Services Plano ISD, TX