Ship in a Bottle

Prahin (Elbert, the Curious Clock Tower Bear) avoids distractions in this story that, like the river it features, flows steadily forward. Mouse wants to lie in the sun in peace, but she lives in a house with a cat who wants to eat her. One day, she resolves to act. Climbing into a ship-in-a-bottle with some gingersnaps, she waits for the cat to tip it out the window and into the river that runs below. New friends initially prove merely gingersnap-interested, and foul weather overtakes her, but she faithfully rides the bottle and the river while looking for a safe new home. Prahin renders engaging characters and dreamlike backdrops in a palette of verdant fresh greens, pale blues, and touches of old rose. The ship-in-a-bottle charms (it's like a small, seaworthy caravan), and Mouse is a poised hero, as when she introduces herself to a chipmunk despite the fact that she's sopping wet and out of food: "Mouse drew herself up nice and tall. 'I don't have any gingersnaps.' " It's a pleasure for readers to be there when she can stretch out in the sun at last. Ages 3-7. Agent: Paul Rodeen, Rodeen Literary. (June)