When Mino Took the Bus by Simona Ciraolo

            When Mino Took the Bus by Simona Ciraolo.  Flying Eye Books, 2022. 9781838740887

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4

Format: Hardcover picture book

What did you like about the book? Mino, a little chipmunk, is leaving home, leaving his mother to find a new home; it’s time.  He takes some seed, kisses his mother goodbye and boards the bus. He is understandably anxious, fidgeting and asking the driver lots of questions. When Beatrice, a young fox, comes on board, they share snacks. More passengers come on board.  Stopping for a break, the passengers explore the area.  There is quite a feast at lunchtime when all the passengers share their food.  It’s a beautiful journey filled with stories and memories.

Mino is one adorable chipmunk with a large head and big eyes. The illustrations, appearing to be watercolor, are soft and dreamy, in pastel shades. A very lovely, tender story.

Anything you did not like about the book? No.

To whom would you recommend this book? This might be a good story to share when someone is moving or maybe starting at a new school.

Who should buy this book? Public libraries and nursery schools

Where would you shelve it? Picture books

Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles?  No.

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Katrina Yurenka, Retired Librarian, Contributor, Youth Services Book Review

Date of Review: February 7, 2023