I'll try to keep the synopsis short since you've probably already read a few at this point. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is the story of a widowed field mouse named Mrs. Frisby, whose youngest son, Timothy, has fallen ill. In her quest to save her son she encounters a vast array of friends and enemies; a crow, an owl, a cat, and even the mysterious Rats of NIMH!
I remember reading this book when I was in elementary school. I don't believe it was for a class or anything, it was just a random book (I probably wasn't aware of what the Newbery Medal was at that point) I found in the library. Anywho, I recently decided to purchase the book and re-read it. I couldn't recall much about the narrative beyond the origin of the rats and the general vibe I got from reading it. Maybe it's partially due to nostalgia, but the vibe of magic/mystery I originally got from NIMH is still there. It's definitely a page-turner, for a children's book it doesn't seem overly simplistic, the pacing is fairly brisk while the descriptions of the different characters/settings are sufficient without bogging the narrative down. The author, Robert C. O'Brien, did a great job in balancing all of these elements and readers of all ages should be able to enjoy this well crafted work.
If you liked / are interested in this, I also recommend checking out the 1982 Don Bluth film adaptation, The Secret of NIMH. Bluth takes some liberties with the plot, but more importantly he nails the aforementioned ethereal quality of the book (and with the brilliant animation perhaps expands on it in some ways). There's also a direct-to-video (...yeah) sequel, called The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue (released in 1998), that seems to be universally panned (as of writing this the IMDB rating is 3.3 out of 10).
As for the product itself, if you're going to be buying this I recommend getting the Hardcover Edition. I suppose this is a matter of personal preference but I usually stick with buying hardcover books due to their superior durability and appearance. I also like the cover art (the one where a caped Mrs. Frisby is standing next to a fence/tuft of grass, in front of a barn) better than the paperback (Mrs. Frisby looks like she's going to the Kentucky Derby on that one). The print is large / clear and there are also several illustrations (I believe these are present in all editions of the book). So yeah, I'm happy with this edition but I'm sure if you look around you could find several other editions/printings.
While I was reading Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, it became evident about 3/4ths of the way through that there was a lot of potential for the story and that the foundation was strong enough to support more stories based on NIMH. Not to spoil anything, but the ending doesn't exactly neatly tie up everything that happens. This does lend a uniquely melancholic affect to the ending, and also spurs your imagination and serves to add to the overarching mysterious element that I mentioned earlier. Unfortunately, Robert C. O'Brien died in 1973 at the age of 55, 2 years after he had written NIMH, so it's difficult to say whether or not there would've been other books centered around it or if he intended the book to be a stand-alone work.
However, in 1986 there was a follow-up/sequel to Mrs.Frisby & the Rats of NIMH called Racso and the Rats of NIMH (yes, Racso, not Rasco). This book was written by Jane Leslie Conly, who is actually Robert C. O'Brien's daughter (turns out Robert C. O'Brien was the pseudonym he wrote under, his real name being Robert Leslie Conly). She also wrote a third book, titled R-T, Margaret, and the Rats of NIMH. I haven't read either of the 2 follow-ups, so I can't directly speak of their quality, but based on skimming thru a few reviews the opinions seem mixed.
So yeah, that's it for my review. Definitely check out this book plus the original film adaptation by Don Bluth, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Then if you're curious I guess check out the 2 book sequels by Conly, and finally the movie sequel if you're really desperate for NIMH related stuff (kids might not be too discerning). I'll possibly update this review after I've read/watched those.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer -no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page1of1Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Excellent Book - Even with Typos
Excellent book that we read as a family. I was astonished to find three typos.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2014
Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2024
Excellent Book - Even with Typos
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2024
Excellent book that we read as a family. I was astonished to find three typos.
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2024
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2014
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
A heroic story of a mother mouse and animals saving themselves from ploughing season and more.
Reviewed in Canada on September 4, 2024
Priya Rengarajan
Awesome book as claimed by the 8 yr old
Reviewed in India on March 21, 2020