Critiques en avant-premièreRaven Howell

Children can help count the fun party favors as everyone joyfully celebrates Mattison's best birthday ever!

Wearing his favorite hat, Mattison Mouse is happy to venture outside on a beautiful day. Soon the little mouse hears mysterious footsteps behind him. What started out as a cheerful stroll turns uncertain as he begins to count animals who appear to be shadowing him. In a rush to run away, Mattison trips and loses his hat. It's only then he learns to refocus and overcome his anxieties, surprised by the special party his animal friends have planned for him.

Children will relate to first-day-of-school jitters as animal students prepare and set off for Mr. Mole's colorful classroom. Anxiety builds as everyone settles into school to meet one another and tackle their first lesson—learning colors!

Young students come to recognize that just as colors are distinct and beautiful in their own way, they are safe to embrace their own uniqueness, too. The day is spent sharing and blending paints while forging happy friendships.

Gently tapping into themes of fitting in, self-esteem and anxiety, while teaching color concepts, the story helps conquer the insecurities felt when children begin something new and unknown.