The Christmas Mouse
Age 5+
Picture Books
Ben is a wealthy mouse who is not interested in Christmas, or the gift that Tim, a poor mouse, brings him on Christmas Eve. That night, Ben cannot sleep and a stranger appears who takes him on a quest to find three people who agree with Ben that a candied plum is the best thing in the world. By morning, Ben, like Scrooge, has learnt the true meaning of Christmas and the value of friendship and he invites Tim to celebrate Christmas with him.
Toby Forward's atmospheric tale is perfectly matched by Ruth Brown's gorgeous illustrations, to make this a classic Christmas gift book.
Creators
Toby Forward (Author)
Toby Forward lives in Beverley in North Yorkshire, and is a parish priest in Hull, although he still manages to devote time to writing. He is married to a teacher, and they have two daughters.
Toby Forward originally trained as a teacher of English and R.E. and now combines his writing with working as a parish priest. Some of his stories have been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 under the pseudonym Rahila Khan and Virago published a collection of these stories, which they withdrew from publication once the true identity of the author was revealed! He has had a teenage novel, Dead Young, published by Simon and Schuster. This is his first book for Transworld.
Author lives: West Yorkshire
Ruth Brown (Illustrator)
Ruth Brown is the creator of some of Britain's best loved children's books, that have been shortlisted for many awards, including the Kate Greenaway Medal. She has created a great many picture books for Andersen Press and is highly respected as an author and illustrator. She was born in Devon and now lives in London and Kent.
Reviews
Ruth Brown is one of our most skilled illustrators of children’s books.
Sunday Times
Brilliant. A very special book indeed.
Daily Mail
Fabulous.
Sunday Telegraph
Superbly observed
Sunday Times
Ambitious and highly successful…unforgettable…brilliant illustrations
Nursery World
Full of gorgeous, atmospheric illustrations.
Primary Times
Dark dramatic illustrations. With many layers, a beautiful retelling for Christmas.
Junior
