An adaptation of the Indian fable "The Blind Men and the Elephant" cleverly uses paper collage set on a black background. The men are recast here as seven brightly colored mice who argue about what the Something is after each one comes in contact with a different part of the elephant. Young has created the elephant out of seven separate pieces of paper which correspond to each mouse's part. Viewers only see the elephant as a whole once the mice have put their heads together to figure out what the Something is. The well-paced text and large, clear illustrations will make this a good choice for reading aloud to groups of preschoolers. (Ages 3-6)

A CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK

“Brilliantly elegant in design and artwork, this perfect picture book retells an old fable, while subtly conveying the concepts of color, numbers, and days of the week.”—School Library Journal

"It's a snake," says Green Mouse.
"It's a fan!" cries Orange Mouse.
"It's a spear," proclaims Yellow Mouse.

One by one, the six blind mice investigate the strange Something by the pond. And one by one, they come back with a different theory. It's only when the seventh mouse goes out—and explores the complete Something—that the mice see the whole truth.

A lesson in colors, numbers, the days of the week and most important, knowledge, this exquisitely illustrated book has stood the test of time and continues to entertain and teach. Based on a classic Indian tale, Ed Young's beautifully rendered version is a treasure to enjoy again and again.