diff --git a/sugar/graphics/canvasicon.py b/sugar/graphics/canvasicon.py
index 25368ff9..d809a6b3 100644
--- a/sugar/graphics/canvasicon.py
+++ b/sugar/graphics/canvasicon.py
@@ -166,6 +166,8 @@ class CanvasIcon(hippo.CanvasBox, hippo.CanvasItem):
         self._palette = None
 
         hippo.CanvasBox.__init__(self, **kwargs)
+        
+        self.connect_after('motion-notify-event', self._motion_notify_event_cb)
 
     def _clear_buffers(self):
         cur_buf_key = self._get_current_buffer_key()
@@ -314,6 +316,13 @@ class CanvasIcon(hippo.CanvasBox, hippo.CanvasItem):
         self.emit_activated()
         return True
 
+    def _motion_notify_event_cb(self, button, event):
+        if event.detail == hippo.MOTION_DETAIL_ENTER:
+            self.prelight(True)
+        elif event.detail == hippo.MOTION_DETAIL_LEAVE:
+            self.prelight(False)
+        return False
+
     def prelight(self, enter):
         """
         Override this method for adding prelighting behavior.