Mousse

The second volume of Mousse-a new series for early readers-follows Mousse and Barnacle on a trip to the beach, where the addition of a new friend makes Mousse jealous. Mousse wakes up to a clap of thunder and pouring rain. He tries to enjoy his coffee in his favorite armchair, but the tide washes into his living room with wave after wave. When he goes out to the beach to collect the day's treasures, he doesn't find anything-or anyone. Where has everyone gone? "They've all left for the South," a mussel calls out. So Mousse decides to head South, too, to take a much deserved vacation. Surrounded by velvety sand and colorful shells, he invites his good friend Barnacle to join him. They relax on the beach, take a mud bath and a dip. Everything about the trip is going as planned, until Felix starts tagging along, and three feels like company . . .

In a new series for early readers, Mousse receives an unexpected visit-and forms an unlikely friendship. Mousse loves his solitary life by the sea. In the mornings, he strolls on the beach to take in the fresh air. He swims in the cool water. And he waits for the tide to bring him the day's small treasures. Today, however, a visitor comes ashore in his living room, a truly unexpected visitor. A creature named Barnacle . . . In this delightfully illustrated picture book for early readers, Claire Lebourg depicts the unexpected pleasures in helping others and finding friendship in unexpected places.