The Tale of Two Bad Mice

When the nursery is empty and the dolls have gone on an outing, Tom Thumb and Hunca Munca, the two bad mice, enter the doll's house. They are delighted to find some food, but when they realize that it is not real, they run rampage.

The story is full of twists, and I must say that I totally rooted for the mice. My favourite picture is the one where Tom Thumb explains the dangers of the mouse trap to his family. I like that the pictures add details and content to the story. In any case, I love Beatrix Potter's pictures and especially these ones because the mice are so pretty and cute. I know that some people find them too saccharine, but I just love them. I never read these books as a child, but I totally enjoy the world Beatrix Potter show more creates. show less

A beautiful example of Potter's sly wit. My father-in-law couldn't stop laughing when he read this to my 3yo, and I laughed aloud too in a couple of places. It was pretty funny to read that "there was no end to the rage and disappointment" of the mice, who went off on a destructive tear. Their antics were pretty funny as were the commentaries of the human beings who saw the evidence and wanted a policeman doll, or, more wisely, a mousetrap.

A beautiful example of Potter's sly wit. My father-in-law couldn't stop laughing when he read this to my 3yo, and I laughed aloud too in a couple of places. It was pretty funny to read that "there was no end to the rage and disappointment" of the mice, who went off on a destructive tear. Their antics were pretty funny as were the commentaries of the human beings who saw the evidence and wanted a policeman doll, or, more wisely, a mousetrap.

Lacking in substance (even for Potter) and the moment that mousetrap appeared I think we were all hoping for a more Roald Dahl-ish ending but that's all made up for when you realise it's basically an episode of The Twilight Zone for kids. (And the illustrations are as beautiful as ever of course)

This book contains two of my favourite things, cute rodents and tiny doll's house furniture, so it was always going to be a winner. I must guiltily admit though that I always seem to remember the ballet version of the story from Tales Of Beatrix Potter better than the actual book. Also I feel sorry for the mice - it is mean that dolls' food is fake, and so I'm glad that they got away with some good stuff.

One of my personal all-time FAVORITE books. How could you not love a couple of pilaging mice who throw temper tantrums and then feel bad and try to make up for their naughty ways.

This is a simplified story, originally published in a larger format for little children. Having a love of fictional mice, and dollhouses, this is an especial favorite story of mine. The mice have tempers, and are certainly naughty, but nice, too. As always, the illustrations tell half the story, or more, and the words compliment them.