Trubloff

Trubloff, a little mouse, lives with his family (the “Trubs”) behind the walls of an inn in a tiny Central European village. Winters are very cold and very snowy, and villagers like to spend their evenings listening to travelling gypsy musicians in the inn’s Parlour Bar. They aren’t the only ones; Trubloff does, too. He is particularly attracted to the balalaika. After getting the local mouse craftsman, Nabakoff, to fashion a tiny one for him, Trubloff discovers that playing the instrument is harder than it looks. One of the kindly older gypsy musicians tells the little mouse that he would’ve given him lessons, but the troupe is on their way. Without telling his family, Trubloff, determined to learn to play, hides in the show more man’s pocket. He travels with the gypsies, gets nightly regular instruction, and becomes increasingly proficient.

Meanwhile, there is trouble on the home front. The Trubs are most distressed at the disappearance of their balalaika-loving son and brother. Mama has actually become ill from the stress of it, as well as from the news that the innkeeper plans to drive the mice out of their home with the aid of some fierce farm cats. Learning that Trubloff is with the gypsies, the family sends his sister (on skis) to retrieve him. She succeeds. They have an eventful journey home, but when they arrive Trubloff’s return makes all the difference. Not only does Mama get better but Trubloff’s talent saves the family from the disaster of homelessness. When the innkeeper has no one to play one night, the balalaika-playing mouse volunteers his services. He is received with enthusiasm, gains a reputation, and the innkeeper is glad to have the Trubs stay on.

Burningham isn’t my favourite illustrator, but I still do love his books. They’re very well received by young children. This charming tale is no exception. The humorous illustrations and Slavic flavour make it particularly special. show less

One of my golden rules of reading is to steer well clear of talking animals. This extends right from Wind in the Willows to Animal Farm, which I to this day refuse to read.
However, Trubloff is my one exception to this rule. Trubloff is a young mouse in an unnamed Central European country who doesn't just talk, he wants to play the balalaika. And who could be mean spirited enough to scoff at the thought of a balalaika-playing mouse? Not me.

A great story with painterly, textured illustrations, beautiful colors and rural village scenes set in Central Europe. His artwork is always lush and rich.