THE MOUSE WHO WANTED TO FLY Katherine Knight Illustrated by Christine Moyer Robson (B.C.), Bear Grass Press, 1989. 31pp, paper, $4.95. 1SBNO-921097-14-X. Also available in French and Russian Distributed by Bear Grass Press, Box 211, Robson, B.C. VOG 1X0. CIP Kindergarten to grade 4/Ages 5 to 9 Reviewed by Linda Holeman. Volume 18 Number 1 1990 January This story is based on North Ameri­can Indian mythology. Katherine Knight is a basket maker and collector, who, in her work, discovered the legends behind the patterns of the Great Basin native baskets. The implied message of this Medicine Wheel teach­ing story is, according to author Knight, the struggle against society's desire to keep women in the home. It is told in a matter-of-fact, forthright manner, with little embellishment. Little Mouse longs to be something different from what she seems destined to be. Although at times afraid and uncertain, she follows her heart as she searches for the eagle, whose freedom she admires. Along her journey she is disheartened and discouraged by other mice, who warn her of the danger of the fierce bird and the impossibility of her dream - to fly. Determined in her quest, the mouse overcomes her fears and ultimately fulfils her goal, turning from an insignificant field mouse into a proud soaring eagle. Christine Moyer's plain black, white and blue drawings are very simplistic, with little background or eye-catching detail, but suit the direct tone of the story. This unassuming book does not im­mediately reach out and grab one's at­tention, but its small size and uncompli­cated language appeal to children. It might be more effective as a story-telling vehicle than as a book to be read by young children. Linda Holeman, Winnipeg, Man.