Basil of Baker Street facts for kids
The Basil of Baker Street books are a fun series of children's novels. They were written by Eve Titus and drawn by Paul Galdone. These stories are all about Basil of Baker Street, a clever mouse detective, and his friend, Doctor David Q. Dawson. Together, they solve many mysteries and crimes in the mouse world. Basil and Dawson live in a mouse community called Holmestead. It's built in the cellar of 221B Baker Street, which is the famous address where Sherlock Holmes lives upstairs!
The first five books were published between 1958 and 1982. Later, new books were added to the series. Cathy Hapka wrote them, and David Mottram drew the pictures. The first new book came out in 2018, and another one followed in 2019.
Did you know? The 1986 Disney animated movie The Great Mouse Detective was based on these exciting novels!
Meet the Characters
Here are some of the main characters you'll meet in the Basil of Baker Street stories:
- Basil of Baker Street – He's known as "The Sherlock Holmes of the Mouse World." Basil is very much like Sherlock Holmes. Holmes sometimes even used the name Basil himself! Just like Holmes plays the violin, Basil plays the flute. He also enjoys archery, archaeology, and mountaineering. Eve Titus named him "Basil" to honor actor Basil Rathbone. Rathbone played Sherlock Holmes many times in movies.
- Dr. David Q. Dawson – He is Basil's friend and writes down all their adventures. He is based on Dr. John H. Watson from the Sherlock Holmes stories. Dr. Dawson really loves cheese!
- Professor Chervil Ratigan – This mouse is Basil's main enemy and a very clever criminal. He is based on Professor James Moriarty from the Sherlock Holmes stories. Even though his name is "Ratigan," he is a mouse in the books.
- Captain Doran – He is Ratigan's helper. He is based on Colonel Sebastian Moran from the Sherlock Holmes stories.
- Mademoiselle Relda – She is a beautiful opera singer. She is based on Irene Adler from the Sherlock Holmes stories. The books hint that Basil might have special feelings for Relda, but their relationship isn't fully explained.
- Mrs. Judson – She is Basil's housekeeper. She is based on Mrs. Hudson from the Sherlock Holmes stories. Mrs. Judson makes a super delicious cheese soufflé!
The Book Series
The first five books in the series were written by Eve Titus and illustrated by Paul Galdone. They were published by McGraw-Hill. Each book is a "Basil of Baker Street Mystery."
- Basil of Baker Street (1958): In this first book, Basil and Dawson search for the missing twin children of Mr. and Mrs. Proudfoot. Their adventure takes them from Baker Street to a harbor, and even to the beautiful countryside of England. They use a typewriter as a key clue, just like in a Sherlock Holmes story.
- Basil and the Cave of Cats (1971): Basil finds a clue about tiny Pygmy Cats. He and Dawson go to find out the truth. They also have to escape Professor Ratigan and Captain Doran. Before their big adventure, they help the Maharajah of Bengistan get his throne back.
- Basil in Mexico (1976): Basil is about to go to Mexico for a case. But first, he has to solve the Case of the Counterfeit Cheese. When he arrives in Mexico, he discovers that a famous mouse painting, the "Mousa Lisa," is missing! It's up to him to find the thief. Soon after, Dr. Dawson is kidnapped!
- Basil in the Wild West (1982): Basil and Dawson continue their road trip in North America. They solve two mysteries in the Wild West. First, they stop some smugglers from taking over part of the West. Then, they solve the mystery of a "Thing" that is scaring guests at the Hathaway Hotel.
- Basil and the Lost Colony (1964): Basil leads an expedition to find the Lost Colony of the Tellmice. All the while, Ratigan and his gang are hunting him.
- Basil and the Big Cheese Cook-Off (2018): Basil and Dawson travel to Paris. They need to solve a mystery that threatens a famous international cheese cooking competition.
- Basil and the Royal Dare (2019): Basil and Dawson help the British and Bohemian Royal Families (of mice). Several royal teens have gone missing, and it's up to Basil to find them.
- Basil and the Library Ghost (2020).
See also
In Spanish: Basil of Baker Street para niños
