Charming to the nth degree.
Snow is falling outside the Heartwood Hotel. Inside it's cozy and warm and one by one all the hibernating animals are finding their way into snug and comfy beds and nests to settle in for a long winter's nap. Mona the Mouse is doing her chores. Right now she's leaning against her dandelion broom thinking about her new home and her new friends, Tilly the red squirrel maid and Cybele the swallow songstress.
With all the guests safely tucked in now it's time for the staff to gather for St. Slumber's supper and gift giving. Mona has no gifts to give her friends. They have carefully chosen presents for her and she leaves the dinner with lovely things from people who care about her. Then her mind gets to thinking about what she could make to give back.
The reassuring calm and comfortable routine are suddenly shattered by a new arrival. Seems the Duchess Hazeline has arrived and expects to have her every whim fulfilled the moment she asks. She's a rabbit and holds great power in the neighborhood and animal community. No one wants to disappoint her for fear the Hotel will be written up poorly in the Pinewood Press.
Unfortunately, the head of the Heartwood Hotel gathers his staff one evening for some bad news. Seems they are running out of food. Where is the food disappearing to? Is someone stealing the food that is stored for everyone?
This is a delightful little story about some charming animals who care so much about each other. This is a throwback to the days when we read simple animal stories like Snow Bumble. Gentle and warm-hearted, this is a perfect story for young listeners or young readers who don't enjoy dark and dangerous but get a smile on their face when kindness and caring reign supreme. Endearing. Charming. Gentle.
978-1484732342 Ages 6-9 176 pages
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com
******** Mona the mouse has finally found a place to call home, the cozy Heartwood Hotel, where she works as a maid and sleeps snuggled up in a room with her best friend. Following the festive St. Slumber celebration, most of the guests have settled in to hibernate, and the staff is looking forward to a relaxing winter. But disruptions abound, from a difficult duchess to a mysterious midnight snacker. As the snow stacks higher, Mona will have to gather friends both old and new to keep the peace, finding help in some of the most unexpected places. --From the publisher
