Parents' Guide to Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Book Robert C. O'Brien Fantasy 1971
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Common Sense Media Review

By Wesley Sharpe , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 9+

A compelling mix of fantasy and science fiction.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 9+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 6 parent reviews

 

 

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age 8+

Based on 24 kid reviews

Kids say this book is a delightful and engaging read, especially for younger audiences, with many praising its imaginative storytelling and relatable characters like Mrs. Frisby. Some reviewers mention that while parts of the book may be too complex or slightly scary for very young children, it effectively teaches valuable life lessons about bravery, sacrifice, and loyalty.

  • engaging storytelling
  • relatable characters
  • suitable for older kids
  • valuable life lessons
  • some mature themes
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 24 kid reviews

What's the Story?

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.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 6 ):
Kids say ( 24 ):

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 escape, they demonstrate an admirable willingness to help her rescue her family.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about animal research. Do you think this book supports or condemns experimentation on animals? If you could receive shots to increase your intelligence, would you want them?

Book Details

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