The Mouse and his Child

Story

This fable follows the story of two toy mice, father and son, who break ancient clockwork rules, and are broken, thrown away and then salvaged by a tramp. The two mice venture on a dangerous journey to find their dream – a home and a family. Pursued by the evil Manny Rat, they encounter a number of animals who offer help, including the learned Muskrat, C.Serpentina the snapping turtle and a travelling theatre company made up of two crows, a parrot and a rabbit.

Why we chose it

A classic children’s fable about fathers and sons - a journey full of imaginative adventures and encounters with eccentric characters.

Where it came from

Russell Hoban was inspired by a toy of his own when writing The Mouse and His Child. He had a little pond aquarium in his study where he had snapping turtles, small catfish and larvae which inspired some of the characters in the story. The main theme throughout the book is the relationship between fathers and sons. The book has dedications to three fathers, one of them being his own.

Where it went next

The Mouse and His Child is Russel Hoban’s best known story. In 2001 a new edition featured illustrations from David Small who had been awarded with a Caldecott Medal and two Caldecott Honors for his previous work.

In 1977 the story was made into an animated film and in 2013 the Royal Shakespeare Company adapted it for their Christmas family show.

Associated stories

Hoban wrote a number of picture books including the Frances the Badger series, illustrated by Garth Williams (first book) and Lillian Hoban, The Sea-Thing Child illustrated by Abrom Hoban, How Tom Beat Captain Nojork and his Hired Sportsmen, Jim’s Lion illustrated by Ian Andrew and Rosie’s Magic Horse, illustrated by Quentin Blake. His novels for children include Soonchild illustrated by Alexis Deacon