This
odd mystery story for children features a mouse watchmaker as its main
protagonist, in a world populated by other rodents in a variety of jobs. Hermux is a curiously old fashioned sort of
hero, and even he is out of place in a world of post-modern art, large
corporations and international intrigue. 
Without wishing to give too much away, I can reveal that one of the dark
forces of the story is a cosmetics business that wants to market products that
can make people younger.

The plot is surprisingly complicated
for a children’s book, and readers may have to work hard to keep all the
threads in mind at the same time. Many
of the characters have long and challenging names, but maybe that will help
readers keep them separate. Some of
the characters are strikingly evil – there’s even murder amid the mischief –
making great villains, which should please child readers. There’s enough of interest here to please
adult readers too. The unabridged
audiobook is read very well by Campbell Scott. The language of the book
is quite distinctive, different from most children’s fiction. Consider just this description of Hermux
having some food:

He unwrapped his sandwich and bit into it greedily.
The cheese was sharp and tangy, with just a musky hint of mould. The bread was fresh, and piled with fresh
crisp and spicy watercress. He wrinkled
his nose appreciatively, and closed his eyes a moment while he chewed.

There’s
more detail here than one normally gets in an insignificant point in the plot,
but it helps to bring the characters alive. 
The style will probably appeal mostly to children with a literary bent,
but it could attract some devoted fans. 

Links:

• Author website.
• Publisher’s
  webpage for audiobook.

© 2002 Christian Perring. First Serial Rights.

Christian Perring, Ph.D., is
Chair of the Philosophy Department at Dowling College, Long Island. He is
editor of Metapsychology Online Review. His main research is on
philosophical issues in psychiatry. He is especially interested in exploring
how philosophers can play a greater role in public life, and he is keen to help
foster communication between philosophers, mental health professionals, and the
general public.

Categories: Children