It’s The Borrowers meets The Wind in the Willows. Enter the world of Tumtum and Nutmeg for a wonderfully enchanting story full of warmth and humour.

In the broom cupboard of a small dwelling called Rose Cottage, stands a house fit for a mouse — well, two mice actually. A house made of pebblestone, with gables on the windows and turrets peeking out of the roof. A house with a ballroom, a billiard room, a banqueting room, a butler's room and a drawing room. The house belongs to Mr and Mrs Nutmouse, or Tumtum and Nutmeg as they affectionately call each other.

Tumtum and Nutmeg have a wonderful life but the children who live in Rose Cottage, Arthur and Lucy, are miserable. So, one day Tumtum and Nutmeg decide to cheer them up … Tumtum repairs the electric heater in the attic where the children sleep and Nutmeg darns the children's clothes. Arthur and Lucy are delighted and think a Fairy of Sorts is looking after them. But then Aunt Ivy with her green eyelids and long arms arrives. She hates mice and hatches a plan to get rid of them. Soon Tumtum and Nutmeg are no longer safe to venture out . . .

Tumtum and Nutmeg: The First Adventure is a miniature masterpiece that will be loved by generations to come. Emily Bearn’s distinctive, classic writing style and Nick Price’s delightful illustrations combine to make this series a future classic. The Times said: ‘Bearn’s style is as crisp and warm as a home-baked biscuit.’

Emily Bearn

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