Marjolein Bastin

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 show more 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. show less

Vera the mouse returns in this second miniature picture-book devoted to her doings from Dutch author/artist Marjolein Bastin, following upon My Name Is Vera. In this installment of the series she describes some of her favorite activities, from baking to dressing up and playing make-believe. Each two-page spread features a brief description of a hobby on the left-hand page, and a full-page painting of Vera on the right...

Originally published in Dutch as Vera's knutselboekje, Vera's Special show more Hobbies is every bit as cute and winsome as its predecessor, with a sweet, old-fashioned charm. Also like its predecessor, the dimensions of the book (around five inches tall, four inches wide) make it ideally suited for young hands, and call to mind the work of Beatrix Potter or Jill Barklem. That said, the narrative here, although not unappealing, did feel more like a list than a story. The initial activity described, in which Vera "dresses up" as an Indian in a feather headdress, will also likely make some contemporary readers wince. These issues didn't ruin the book for me - I still intend to track down other entries in the series - but they did make it less enjoyable than the first. Recommended to fans of Vera, or of stories about cute little mice and their pint-sized (thimble-sized?) adventures. show less

Vera the mouse returns in this fourth miniature picture-book devoted to her doings, this time introducing her many friends and describing their activities together. From her wren companion Chicky to her goldfinch neighbor Joey, from her ladybug "dog" Doggie to helpful Mrs. Snail, all of Vera's friends are an important part of her life, coming to her aid when she is feeling down...

Originally published in Dutch as Vera en haar vriendjes, Vera and Her Friends had many of the same delightful show more qualities as the other books in this series. It is a small volume, one well-suited to childlike hands, and it features Marjolein Bastin's lovely artwork. As usual, there isn't a story here as such, but more of a list of activities in which the murine heroine engages. The only discordant note, and it did somewhat take me aback, is that Vera Happily consumes Chicky's egg, and Chicky is depicted as being content with this state of affairs. Leaving aside that one odd moment, this was a charming little book - one I would recommend to fans of Vera and her miniature world. show less

Vera the Mouse returns in this third miniature picture-book devoted to her doings, following upon My Name Is Vera and Vera's Special Hobbies. Introducing readers to her wardrobe, Vera models all of her many adorable outfits, from her fashionable black dress to her ballet costume, her green bird-watching outfit to her autumn toadstool dress. She concludes with her nightgown, as she climbs into her walnut-shell bed...

Originally published as De kleertjes van Vera, this charming little book show more features a sweet, old-fashioned murine heroine, and lovely artwork. Like its predecessors, its dimensions - approximately five inches tall and four inches wide - make it ideal for young hands. Also like its predecessors, it is less of a story than a catalogue, in this case of Vera's many outfits. It is appealing, for all that, and young children will undoubtedly enjoy looking at Marjolein Bastin's detailed artwork. Recommended to fans of Vera, and to children who enjoy stories about cute little mice. show less