“When there’s room in the heart, there’s room in the house, except for a mouse.” Luckily for Rosa María, the mice in her house don’t take offense at that saying, or at the mousetrap she sets night after night as she prepares for her niece Catalina’s seventh birthday party. Instead, as Rosa María cooks enchiladas, rice, and beans and squeezes fresh lemonade, the mice are closely monitoring all preparations and checking the “to do” list. The day of the party, just as Catalina takes her first swing at the piñata, Rosa María realizes she forgot to fill it! But candy spills out when the little girl gives it a satisfying “Whack!” Pam Muñoz Ryan’s amusing tale is a flavorful blend of English narrative with Spanish phrases. How did those mice fill that piñata? Joe Cepeda’s full-color illustrations, which span each two-page spread, provide the answer. (Ages 4–7)

Category: FamilyRecipe for a Festive Story Time: Mix 1 birthday party, 1 delicious Mexican meal, and lots of children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, and surprise guests into a fun romp. Add comic illustrations, jaunty rhythms, and playful refrains.Spice with mystery, and stir everything into a book.Serve aloud to large groups or small. Finally, store leftovers on a shelf in a child's bedroom, library, or classroom.Enjoy!