Children's Picture Books

Benjamin and Bumper to the Rescue

By: Molly Coxe
Photographed by: Olivier Toppin
Publisher: Brave Mouse Books
Publication Date: June 2010
ISBN: 978-0981969718
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: July 2010

Benjamin Middlemouse stood at a flour-covered table helping his mother as she rolled out a pie crust. A copper pot overflowing with beans sat atop the Eagle stove cooking as they worked. Another day when Benjamin was “playing King of the Castle,” his mother announced that she was off to get a few things done, but said she’d “be back by three o’clock.” When she wasn’t, he became very alarmed and went off to find Bumper, the elephant, to see if he could help search for his mom. Piled high with supplies, from a toolbox to popcorn (to use in a slingshot of course), Bumper and Benjamin were off on their “search-and-rescue mission.”

Bumper sniffed his way around the kitchen as Benjamin peered inside a blue pot. No, Mrs. Middlemouse was not to be found and they decided to ask the Pantrymice. Posie Pantrymouse had spotted Benjamin’s mom on her way to the garden to find a tomato, but Posie’s father warned that Sir Pouncealot was “hunting mice and moles to put in his favorite dish—mouse ‘n’ mole casserole.” The situation was dire and they rushed to the garden, but only found her list of errands. They soon figured out how to reach Sir Pouncealot’s tower where they spotted Benjamin’s mom locked up in an old wooden bird cage. How were they going to save her? Was she going to end up as a tidbit in a casserole?

This fabulously charming story will delight both children and the older reader alike. Anyone who looks at this book will have any number of epithets to describe it from darling, quaint, adorable, to utterly gorgeous. The enchanting storyline of a little mouse, assisted by an elephant, searching for his mom will keep your youngster moving right along, anxious to find out if she met her end with Sir Pouncealot, a sly cat who could use her as an ingredient in his dinner casserole. The amazing three-dimensional characters are superbly photographed by French photographer, Olivier Toppin.

Quill says: This is the first book printed by Brave Mouse Books, one book you will surely need to consider adding to your shelves!