Magnus Maybe

Errol Broome (author)

Ann James (illustrator)

Allen&Unwin, Australia: 1998; 141pp

ISBN: 1864488174

Genres: animal stories, fantasy

Issues: family, friendship, identity

Magnus the Mouse escapes his cage and explores his owner's house, only to find that he is lost when he reaches the floor.

Taken in by a somewhat intimidating "real" mouse family which lives in the linen cupboard, Magnus must come to terms with being different (he is white and a "toy") and try to survive in a world filled with new dangers - owls, kookaburras, mousetraps, mould and the sullen Meggsie. Magnus comes to realise that courage can be found in the most unlikely places.

Children who love talking animals, animals that merely tolerate the humans who share their world, will enjoy this simple story.

Same Author: Dear Mr Sprouts; Tangles; Rockhopper; Nightwatch