The first of a number of miniature picture-books devoted to the doings of Vera the Mouse, originally published in the Netherlands, My Name Is Vera offers a chatty, first-person introduction to its eponymous murine heroine. Living in a "snug little hole in the woods," and sleeping in a walnut shell, Vera is woken every day by a chickadee, and spends her time in play - skipping rope, squeakily singing, having tea with her dolls - and in work - cooking, doing the dishes, etc. Each two-page spread here features a few sentences describing some activity on the left-hand side, and a colorful illustrations on the right. The book concludes with Vera going to bed, having first nightmares (about cats) and then pleasant dreams...

Originally published in Dutch as Ik ben Vera, this sweet little volume reminded me by turns of some of Beatrix Potter's books, as well as Jill Barklem's Brambly Hedge series. The dimensions - around five inches tall and four inches wide - make it the ideal size for young hands, while the simple, friendly text and cute-as-a-button illustrations are sure to appeal to young animal lovers. There were some moments of humor here, such as when Vera ties her tail in a knot, and cannot get it undone, or when her tail trips her up, while she is attempting to jump rope, but overall the tone is more one of sweet, idyllic happiness. I had to track this one down through inter-library loan, and now that I have had a taste of Vera, I think I will seek out some of the subsequent titles. Recommended to young children who enjoy gentle animal fiction, as well as to anyone who appreciated adorable old-fashioned illustrations. ( )