In a stunning celebration of color Caldecott medalist Young ( Lon Po Po ) offers a vibrant variation on the fable of the blind men trying to identify an elephant. Seven differently-hued blind mice approach the 'strange Something' in their midst on successive days and report their findings to the group. A large black square provides the background for each painting, a dramatic contrast to the brilliant images 'felt' by the sightless rodents. Young"s textured, cut-paper illustrations allow readers to visualize just how a floppy ear might be mistaken for a fan ('I felt it move!') the elephant"s curving trunk springs to life as both a jewel-green snake and a glowing yellow spear. The spare text permits greater exploration and enjoyment of the artwork--it may be difficult to read the story straight through without stopping to compare the various images. The 'Mouse Moral' that concludes the tale--'Knowing in part may make a fine tale, but wisdom comes from seeing the whole'--may seem superfluous to those who prefer the imaginative 'vision' of the mice. Ages 4-up.