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The Mouse and His Child facts for kids

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The Mouse and His Child
TheMouseAndHisChild.jpg
First edition (publ. Harper & Row)
Author Russell Hoban
Country USA
Language English
Published 1967 (1967)

The Mouse and His Child is a famous novel written by Russell Hoban. It was first published in 1967. Many people consider it a classic book for children. It is also the book that Russell Hoban is most known for. Later, in 1977, the story was made into an animated movie. A newer version of the book came out in 2001. This edition had brand new pictures drawn by David Small.

The Story of the Mouse and His Child

This book tells the exciting adventure of two toy mice. They are a father mouse and his child. They are joined together by their hands. A special clockwork mechanism makes them move.

Their Beginning as Toys

The story starts in a busy toy store. Here, the mouse and his child are brand new. They are waiting to be bought by a child. They dream of a happy life with a family.

A Journey Begins

Soon, the toy mice are bought. But their time with their first owner does not last forever. They are eventually discarded, meaning they are thrown away. This is where their big adventure truly begins. They must learn to survive on their own.

Facing Challenges and Foes

As they travel, the mice meet many different characters. Not all of them are friendly. They are chased by a mean and tricky rat. This rat causes a lot of trouble for them. The mice must be brave and clever to escape his plans.

The Quest for Self-Winding

A very important part of their journey is their quest. The mouse and his child want to become "self-winding." This means they want to be able to move on their own. They do not want to rely on someone else to wind them up. This quest is a big goal for them. It shows their hope for freedom and independence. Their journey is full of challenges and new friends. It teaches them about courage and never giving up.

Themes in the Book

The Mouse and His Child explores several important ideas. It talks about friendship and family. It also shows how important it is to keep trying. Even when things are hard, you should never give up on your dreams.

Comparing with Other Books

This book is sometimes compared to Charlotte's Web by E. B. White. Both books use talking animals as characters. They also use some advanced words. This can help young readers learn new vocabulary. Both stories also include serious topics. They do this in a way that is still good for children.

About the Author

Russell Hoban was an American writer. He wrote many books for children and adults. The Mouse and His Child is one of his most famous works. He was known for his unique stories. His books often made readers think deeply.

Film Adaptation

In 1977, The Mouse and His Child was made into an animated film. This movie brought the beloved characters to life. It allowed more people to experience their amazing journey. The film helped share the story with a wider audience.

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