Joe Majewski

Oscar the mouse returns in this sequel to Oscar Mouse Finds a Home, once again setting out to explore. This time his wanderings lead him to the world outside the large human house where he lives, and he makes a new friend, in the form of Alfie the field mouse. Alfie shows Oscar all of the wonderful things to see and do in the outside world, from playing hop-scotch on the lily pads to hide-and-seek in the garden shed. Eventually our murine hero returns home, after a tiring but happy day...

Although it's predecessor was written by Scottish author Moira Miller, A Friend for Oscar Mouse is by Joe Majewski, presumably related to artist Maria Majewska, who illustrated both books. It looks to have been originally published in the UK as Oscar Mouse Finds a Friend. The story here is engaging, and the artwork lovely. Majewska's palette is richer and more jewel-like, especially in the scenes depicting the flowers in the garden, than it was in the first book. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed Oscar's first adventure, or who is looking for picture-books featuring mice.… (mere)