Cornbread is a mouse who likes to be prepared. In anticipation of winter, he has foraged and stocked his cupboards with food to sustain him through the cold days. His best friend Poppy, though, is a procrastinator. As the first snow begins to fall, she arrives at Cornbread’s house to begin foraging. But it’s much too late for that; all the food is gone! The only place left to forage is on the dreaded, owl-infested Holler Mountain. The only mouse brave enough to climb Holler Mountain, Ms. Ruthie, never returned. But the friends have no choice; wagon in tow, they set off together. Holler Mountain turns out to be nothing like they expect: They do meet an owl, but he’s friendly. In fact, he knows a place with food and is willing to give Cornbread and Poppy a lift. To their delight and surprise, when they arrive at a small cabin, it’s none other than the vanished Ms. Ruthie who opens the door and welcomes them in. She does have food, and, fortunately for Poppy, she’s happy to share; in return she asks only that Poppy and Cornbread return for a future visit. Lovable protagonists, gentle humor, and Cordell’s signature expressive illustrations make this a satisfying and entertaining spin on “The Ant and the Grasshopper” for emerging readers. (Ages 4-8)