Claris the mouse loves fashion, and dreams of traveling to Paris in order to pursue her passion in this rhyming picture-book romp. Ignoring the indifference of her fellow mice, she hitches a ride on a hot-air balloon piloted by two stylish frogs, and soon finds herself in the fashion capital of the world. Here she discovers the perfect living space, only to find out it is inhabited by a dreadful little girl and her terrible cat. Is it the end of the dream? Or will kindhearted Claris find a way to make things work...?

The debut children's book from fashion illustrator Megan Hess, who has apparently worked for high-fashion brands such as Chanel and Dior, Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris pairs an entertaining tale told in rhyme with fun, colorful artwork. There were times when the text felt a little forced, with rhymes the seemed a bit shoe-horned in - "But worse than the daughter was what she was holding: / a frightening grey cat with a face that was scolding" - but for the most part it read well. The artwork was appealing, although I definitely prefer Hess' depiction of her animal characters, to her human ones. All in all, a sweet little tale, one I would recommend to those readers looking for picture-books featuring fashion and/or Paris. ( )