Cici and her cat Sugarcane live in an old apartment house in Charleston, SC (which location can be easily adapted to other cities). On a boring rainy day they decide to call The Countess who lives down the hall. "Oh yes, do come by," the countess said,"and bring Sugarcane as well. I'm very worried there's a big fat mouse ringing my fancy doorbell." While this story is told it rhyme, it can be easily adapted in prose. Cici and Sugarcane soon discover the doorbell ringer is not a mouse, but a new neighbor who is very shy. The Countess calls her cousin, Dr. Lautrec Toulouse, a shyness doctor, who lives on an island in a blue caboose. The doctor comes quickly with his bass fiddle and his cat, Mr. Twiddle. He quickly suggests throwing a costume ball and invite the shy neighbor. The party is a great success and social triumph, even the cats attend! Shyness is gently confronted and overcome, but there may still be a mystery about a red fuzzy mouse.
Beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist, Wendy Edelson.