title: A Mouse Told His Mother
author:  Bethany Roberts 
description: "A little rebel boasts of his adventurous plans, while his mother calmly proceeds with nighttime rituals. Fantasy and daily life combine enticingly," said PW. Ages 3-7. (Sept.) <br />Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  “EASY THERE,” HE MURMURED, HIS VOICE LOW AND HIS BREATH WARMING HER EAR.
  
  
  Embarrassed, Bethany tried not to look up. She started to take a step
  backward, but he still held her. Curious, she tilted her head enough so that
  she could raise her eyes and meet his gaze.
  
  
  “You okay?”
  
  
  She gave a single nod.
  
  
  “Sorry about that,” John said and relaxed his hands. “Didn’t mean to sneak up
  behind you.”
  
  
  She took a deep breath. There had been something comforting about being so
  close to him, her cheek practically resting against his shoulder. “I should’ve
  looked where I was going.”
  
  
  Still, he didn’t release her and remained standing there, silent staring
  intently into her face. His eyes narrowed as he studied her.
  
  
  “What’s wrong?”
  
  
  Slowly, John leaned over, lifting up one hand and running the backs of his
  fingers across her cheek. “You splashed water on your face.”
  
  
  Instinctively, she reached up and touched her cheek where he had. “Did I?”
  
  
  “It’s gone.” Finally, he re