SLIS 5420 - Module 4- Book Blog - Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Of course I've seen the Disney version of the story, but had never read the book before. The book is so much more amazing than the movie. The characters are so well developed and it is easy to forget they are animals and not people. Well, except for the fantastic descriptions of them. When Mrs. Frisby thinks about her son, Timothy, you not only feel her love for him, but get a great idea of what his personality is like. One of the best passages from the book is as follows:

"...a nagging worry that kept flickering in her mind; it was the kind of worry that, if you push it out of this corner of your thoughts, pops up in that corner, and finally in the middle, where it has to be faced."
This passage gives you great insight into Mrs. Frisby and the huge responsibilities she must now face on her own.

Library Uses
I would use this book as a read aloud and choose passages to share with students when doing lessons on character development and description. I think this book would also be great to use when doing a unit on friendship. It would be terrific to read this book along with Charlotte's Web. The both use animal characters who build strong relationships with one another much like humans do.

The rats of NIMH learn more than the scientists bargain for. They escape and embark on an adventurous mission of mercy to save the orphaned family of a brave fieldmouse colleague. A story that is as engrossing as it is unusual. (9-11 yrs) (Kirkus UK) --Kirkus Review
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH was written by Wesley Sharpe
Parents need to know that Robert O'Brien's superior writing makes this alternately humorous and rousing adventure entertaining and believable, and the black-and-white illustrations enhance the story.