The Mice Next Door

Brilliant. In the most deadpan, funny manner, Anthony Knowles explores the possibility that a family of mice would build a house next door to an ordinary suburban family and be accused by Dad of 'lowering the tone of the neighborhood'. Everyone knew that mice were smelly, noisy, only interested in having a good time, wouldn't get planning permission or teach their youngsters how to behave. What's more the smell of cooking from next door is an unpleasant nuisance. Yes, it is a satire on racial intolerance, but done with such charm, wit and jollity that even the youngest child will absorb the 'moral' while having a wonderful time. The illustrations are exceptional and I can't suggest too strongly that you read it for yourself and for your children. A sane, humane and very, very funny book.