The rhythm, pacing, and language characteristic of fine oral storytelling propel this suspenseful, crowd-pleasing tale adapted from the Limba people of West Africa. A sly cat determined to outwit a village of mice has the tables turned by the smart young mouse who remembers all her father taught her and “lived to tell the tale.” Children will love joining in on the song-like refrain in a book that actively invites both verbal participation and the opportunity to get up and act out the story. Richly colored acrylic illustrations provide the backdrop for the tale. Highly Commended, 2002 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 4–8)