The Mouse and His Child

by Tamsin Oglesby

Overview

Acclaimed as one of the classics of 20th century children's literature, The Mouse and His Child is a moving story about two clockwork mice thrown on a scrap heap who then have to begin a dangerous quest for a place to belong. It is adapted for the stage by Tamsin Oglesby and will be directed by Paul Hunter, Told By An Idiot's Co-Artistic Director. The Mouse and His Child continues the Royal Shakespeare Company's long tradition of creating new stage adaptations of much-loved childhood tales – including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, The Heart of Robin Hood, and Matilda The Musical, the RSC's award-winning Roald Dahl adaptation, currently playing in the West End.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781849434652
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	02/26/2013
Series:	Oberon Plays for Young People
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	90
Product dimensions:	5.06(w) x 7.81(h) x 0.19(d)

About the Author

Russell Hoban was an American writer of fantasy, science fiction and poetry. However he is perhaps best known for his children's tale The Mouse and His Child, which was made into an animated film in 1977.
Tamsin Oglesby is currently under commission to the National Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company and Hampstead Theatre. Her plays include My Best Friend, The War Next Door and Really Old, Like Forty-Five.

Editorial Reviews

Dark, serious yet also funny.” —The Guardian

From the Publisher

The Barnes & Noble Review
First published in 1967, The Mouse and His Child amazed audiences with its tale of a wind-up pair of toy mice, a father and son, who seek freedom from the toy store. Along their journey, they must surpass the clutches of Manny Rat in the dump and embrace the sporadic wisdom of Uncle Frog. Filled with adventure, an intense message, and classic storytelling expertise, this compelling novel will catapult readers into another dimension.

Using sophisticated levels of symbolism and the timeless tale of struggle against adversity, author Russell Hoban weaves a tale that spans generations of readers. This new edition features artwork from Caldecott medalist illustrator David Small. These pen-and-ink illustrations capture the humor and adventurous tone of the book while remaining regal. The chapters all begin a with a full-page illustration, each more compelling that the one before.

Filled with hope, but infused with strong doses of reality, this wild tale is ready to enthrall a whole new audience. (Amy Barkat)

bn.com

Since its publication in 1967, book lovers have lauded Russell Hoban's The Mouse and His Child. Now 2001 Caldecott Medalist David Small's haunting charcoal-and-ink illustrations energize and elevate this moving tale of two toy mice that come to life. (Sept.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

Gr 5-8-This tale by Russell Hoban, originally published in 1967, follows a clock-work mouse attached by the hands to his little child as they look for a home, family, and a sense of belonging. By turns poignant and witty, allegorical and fantastic, the many animals and wind-up characters who populate the story are all dynamically portrayed in this audio version narrated by William Dufris. He deserves enormous credit for managing to make the audio sound like a full-cast recording. There seems to be no end to the voices, accents, and styles of speech he can muster, and as a result listening to this extended fable becomes enormously enriched. He keeps all the characters straight for listeners, and provides them with a life and appeal that actually adds quite a bit to the printed version. This tale in print has interested young people who enjoy Wind in the Willows-type characters but with a much more thoughtful, even philosophical storyline bolstered by situations humorous, tedious, and even frightening. The exceptional quality of the narration may bring even more listeners than readers to the story. Younger students who are exceptionally thoughtful listeners and readers would also find this appealing, and children listening to this version with their parents on a family trip would have a great deal to discuss and think about. A worthwhile addition to collections seeking to offer thought-provoking material to children.-Jane Fenn, Corning Painted Post West High School, NY Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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