Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Common Sense Note
Robert O'Brien's superior writing makes this alternately humorous and rousing adventure entertaining and believable, and the black-and-white illustrations enhance the story.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Wesley Sharpe
The rats of NIMH, literate and technologically adept, are able to develop such conveniences as electricity. Sure, animal tales often feature such human "creature" comforts, but what makes them possible isn't explained. These creatures, however, with chemically enhanced brainpower, don't stop at generating energy: They're working on developing their own civilization.
Robert O'Brien has a knack for captivating his audience by creating humanlike personalities. Adults who read Mrs. Frisby And The Rats Of NIMH aloud will marvel along with their children at the adventures of the book's characters, and the realistic sketches will help younger children follow the plot.
Underlying the book's humor and fantastic elements are a set of values that children won't soon forget. The new breed of rats decide it is wrong to steal food, so they grow their own grain, and they are mostly loyal, honest, and willing to make sacrifices to reach their goals--values that make this an outstanding book for children.
And when they discover that Mrs. Frisby is the widow of Jonathan, a fellow laboratory animal who was pivotal in effecting their their escape, they demonstrate an admirable willingness to help her rescue her family.
From The Book
With a bang, the lights went dim. The ceiling, which had somehow become curved, was filled with little round moons. Mrs. Frisby kept running, and her face struck a cold, hard wall of metal. A voice shouted, "Mother! Don't let Dragon in yet. I've caught a mouse." ... The colander, upside down, was now over Mrs. Frisby.
Plot Summary:
Rats who can read? In this lively tale, a widowed field mouse discovers that the reclusive colony of fellow rodents who live below the rosebush are no ordinary animals. When her family is imperiled by the farmer's tractor, she is advised to "go to the rats." A compelling mix of fantasy and science fiction keeps the pages turning.
Related Books:
The video version is called The Secret of NIMH. Two book sequels by Jane Leslie Conly, Racso and the Rats of NIMH and R-T, Margaret, and the Rats of NIMH, follow the further exploits of the rat colony. Richard Adams's Watership Down is another, more sophisticated tale about fugitive animals who struggle valiantly to improve their lot in life.
Rate It!
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ViolenceIncludes an account of the capture of the rats for use as experimental subjects. Mrs. Frisby narrowly avoids capture by a cat and is caught by a boy. The rats find the body of an old man. |
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