What a lovely story. Two popular children's genres, war and animals, a perfect combination for a book.
What a lovely story. Two popular children's genres, war stories and animals, combine perfectly. I wish I had read The Umbrella Mouse first as it took a little while to get into the plot and establish the characters. Once I reached the third chapter however, the story unfolded in a detailed and imaginative way. The characters are portrayed in such a clever way, as they have both animal and human characteristics. Their descriptions and movements are pure animal, yet their habits of sleeping in a bed, albeit a sardine tin or enjoying a thimble full of celebratory champagne makes them rather lovable. The relationship between Pip, Madame Fourcade and GI Joe is really touching.
From a historical/realistic perspective, their worries as they travel through war-torn Europe, the deaths they see and the sadness of losing family members is cleverly written and both descriptive and thought-provoking.
Although the idea of an animal resistance is a little unrealistic, the way they go about sabotaging tanks and disarming detonators is completely believable and incredibly clever. I loved the idea of the fuel lines being plugged with beeswax which melts as the engine's warm-up is so clever.
It makes you want to believe in the characters and the Noah's Ark resistance group.
I think this book will be loved by all true story lovers.
I really enjoyed Umbrella Mouse to the Rescue - I would recommend this story to anyone interested in animals or war adventure stories, as this book combines the two for a brilliant read.
When I read Anna Fargher's first book in this series: The Umbrella Mouse, I really loved how Pip was so brave and how Anna used the detail of the scenery to make Pip's adventures seem so real. I couldn't wait to read the next book and Umbrella Mouse To The Rescue didn't disappoint! Umbrella Mouse To The Rescue was a really good book and I really enjoyed it. I loved the pictures hidden amongst the pages which helped to bring the story to life. Once again Pip showed great bravery as she helped to save Paris from the Germans. I would recommend this story to anyone interested in animals or war adventure stories, as this book combines the two to make a brilliant read. You don't have to be big to be brave!