Lewis the mouse loved his cozy home in the tiny hole at the base of a tall tree. Prepared for winter's coming, he had just settled down when he heard a "Scritch Scratch Tap Tap." Imagining all the terrifying things it might be, from an owl to a bear, he used his biggest, most intimidating voice to shout: "Who Goes There? Who Could It Be? / Who Scritches and Scratches and Taps At My Tree?" After receiving no answer on three separate occasions, he worked up his courage, and went to investigate, finding that the source of the noise was the very thing he'd been missing: another mouse, named Joy...

Well known for her engaging animal stories, particularly her series of tales about Bear (Bear Snores On, Bear Wants More, etc.), author Karma Wilson, together with illustrator Anna Currey, delivers an entertaining picture-book with Who Goes There? Lewis is an appealing little murine hero, and young children will undoubtedly feel the tension building, as he continually wonders who could be making those noises. His poetic refrain contrasts nicely with the main text, which is in prose. The artwork, done in pen and ink and watercolor, is colorful and cute, ably capturing Lewis' changing expressions. Recommended to all young animal lovers, and to anyone looking for the perfect story for a blustery late fall/early winter day. ( )

sweet. ( )