The Mouse and His Child

by Russell Hoban
The Mouse and His Child cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Children's Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1673
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9781849437165
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2012-11-15
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99

The Mouse and His Child is a beloved story that follows the adventures of two clockwork mice, discarded on a scrap heap, as they embark on a dangerous quest to find a place where they truly belong. This moving narrative has been adapted for the stage by Tamsin Oglesby and is directed by Paul Hunter, continuing the Royal Shakespeare Company's tradition of bringing cherished childhood tales to life. Acclaimed as one of the classics of 20th-century children's literature, this story captures the essence of perseverance and the search for identity. It joins the ranks of other notable adaptations like Beauty and the Beast and Matilda The Musical, offering a timeless tale that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Reviews
Momo Time to Read · 2020-11-10
moving 4.50

The story is surprisingly moving and thought-provoking, encompassing powerful themes of redemption and transformation. It offers a unique perspective on family and destiny.

This reviewer finds the book to be surprisingly moving and thought-provoking. The themes of redemption and transformation are beautifully explored, making it a deeply emotional read. The story offers a unique perspective on family and destiny, resonating with readers on multiple levels. The reviewer appreciates the powerful themes and the emotional depth of the narrative, highlighting its moving and thought-provoking nature. The book's exploration of redemption and transformation makes it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    The Mouse and his Child is a surprisingly moving and thought-provoking story

    encompassing powerful themes of redemption and transformation

    a surprisingly moving and thought-provoking story, encompassing powerful themes of redemption and transformation

Tiger Tale · 2018-12-08
harrowing 4.00

The narrative is remorseless and nightmarish, following the mice on a journey that is both harrowing and captivating. The themes of destiny and perseverance are powerfully conveyed.

The reviewer describes the book as a nightmarish yet captivating journey. The mice's quest is filled with harrowing moments that keep the reader engaged. The themes of destiny and perseverance are powerfully conveyed, making it a compelling read. The narrative's remorseless nature adds to the overall impact, creating a story that is both intense and thought-provoking. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the journey, highlighting the powerful themes that resonate throughout the book.

Quick quotes

    It's a nightmarish scene, but is just the beginning.

    The remorseless narrative sees the mouse and his child follow their destiny through a ...

    The Mouse and His Child is an incredible tale of quest and determination

The Guardian · 2013-12-31
profound 4.50

The tale is both comforting and devastating, offering a profound exploration of themes that resonate deeply. The anthropomorphic animals and surreal scenes create a unique and unforgettable experience.

This reviewer finds the book to be a profound little gem that balances comfort and devastation beautifully. The story of two discarded toy mice is told with such depth that it becomes a timeless tale. The anthropomorphic animals and surreal scenes add a layer of uniqueness that makes it stand out. It's a book that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and thoughts. The reviewer appreciates the profound little book, highlighting its equal parts comfort and devastation, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Both comforting and devastating, this tale of two discarded toy mice by the Riddley Walker author is a profound little book – the equal, ...

    The Mouse and His Child is a profound little book – the equal, ...

    The tale of two discarded toy mice by the Riddley Walker author is a profound little book

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