Clovis suspects a sneak

In his second story, former-bully Clovis the bull has a mystery on his hands (or hooves). Items in his charming china shop are going missing, and he hasn't a clue as to who is taking them. Though the shop is beautifully decorated for Christmas and the fragrances of cinnamon candles, fresh greenery, and his grandmother's caramel candy make it appealing to the senses, Clovis' friends and customers are all avoiding him and his shop as they're concerned Clovis is reverting to his bullying ways. As more things disappear, the big bovine becomes suspicious of everyone, questioning Mrs. Magpie, members of his football team, and even his own cat. Lonely after frightening off his customers, he decides to set a trap to catch the culprit, and the results are a total surprise. The digital illustrations are filled with details and rich colors, using changes in typeface, some onomatopoeia, and the visual appeal of the pictures to add to Clovis' cozy winter tale.

Jokes aside, this bull owns a china shop. Our hero, whom readers will recognize fromClovis Keeps His Cool (2021), sells attractive merchandise in his cozy store. He has decorated for the winter holidays and put out tea and caramels for friends and customers. But several items--a silver sugar bowl, sugar lumps, tea lights--have disappeared. Is someone stealing? Clovis begins eyeing customers warily and even explodes at his friends at football practice. Suspicion's bad for business; customers stop coming. Things still disappear. Clovis lays a nighttime trap for the thief by preparing caramels and soon discovers the burglar, who's been on the premises all along: a mouse who "borrowed" his merchandise for a tea party. Clovis explodes--in laughter--explaining the difference between borrowing and stealing. "Next time, little mouse,ask me," he tells her. "I may be a bull, but I'm no bully." The remorseful rodent in turn reminds Clovis that he's displayed a fierce temper in the past. Chastened, he decides to apologize to the friends he offended; the shop's warm ambience is restored. This cute but thin story is appealing, though the denouement falls somewhat flat. The message about asking permission to borrow things is important, yet the mouse never explains if she planned to return what she took. Still, the vividly hued illustrations are comically lively. Towering Clovis is blustery yet able to mend his ways--also a good lesson--and the all-animal cast is endearing. Gently conveyed lessons in friendship and trust.(Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.