A splendid retelling of Aesop's familiar fable. . . .Sumptuous watercolor illustrations enhance the rural/urban juxtaposition with luminous close-ups of country mouse immersed in the seasonal flora and fauna of the English countryside and overwhelmed by the "noise and bustle and hum" of a 1930s-era city at Christmas. The richly detailed illustrations invite and reward close inspection. A visual stunner.
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Brief, beautifully descriptive text placed amid charming watercolor illustrations. . . Ward's lush pastoral illustrations bring out the deep contrasts between rural and city life. As the city cousin describes the "noise and bustle and hum" of his home, the accompanying painting shows a huge, shining harvest moon resting on a field of wheat sheaves and branches of plump blueberries and golden apples. City scenes are busy with tall, sprawling buildings and their leaded windows; armloads of Christmas gifts and ornaments; overladen sweet tables. This retelling, closely based on the original short fable, is a worthy addition to any collection.
--School Library Journal (starred review)

Helen Ward trained at the Brighton School of Art, winning the first Walker Prize for Children's Illustration in her final year. Having twice won the National Art Library Award, her books for Templar include Aesop's Animal Fables, King of the Birds, Varmints and The Cockerel and the Fox, short-listed for the 2003 Kate Greenaway Medal. The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse sees the return of a stunning talent in picture book illustration.