Most people my age are probably more familiar with the Don Bluth film The Secret of NIMH than with this wonderful book. But the film is only based on Robert C. O’Brien’s work.
O’Brien (whose real name was Conly) only published four novels, of which Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is probably his best known. But he was also the editor of National Geographic Magazine for 22 years, and that love of the natural world filters into NIMH, as does his more adult writing style.
What it’s about
The book tells the story of Mrs Frisby, a small mouse who lives in a breeze block in one of Famer Fitzgibbon’s fields. When her young son falls ill, she is forced to seek help from the rats that live in the rose bush by the farm. But these aren’t any old rats – these are the rats of NIMH. Throughout the book, we learn how the rats were captured and altered thanks to tests run in a lab (NIMH), how they came to be at the farm, and why they would be willing to help Mrs Frisby.
What I liked best about The Secret of NIMH
- The writing is beautifully descriptive in a simple way. It isn’t dumbed down for a young audience and doesn’t shy away from tackling darker subjects, which is refreshing in a children’s book.
- You feel for all of the characters, even though they’re essentially vermin! Even as an adult reading it to my children, I find myself worrying about Mrs Frisby, her family and the rats.
- Themes of independence, learning, and right and wrong pervade the whole book. They’re woven into the story so well that the lessons are explored without being expressly stated.
Who would like it?
I read it as a child and have read it to my very young children, who enjoyed it but on whom some of the plot was probably wasted. I think children over 10 will appreciate it for what it is, but that shouldn’t put people off reading it to younger ones. I’d say it could be difficult for very sensitive children – some characters may not necessarily make it to the end of the novel and there are some darker moments when the rats are trying to leave the lab.
In summary
Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is a wonderful read, but be careful giving it to overly sensitive younger readers. The story is full of emotion alongside lessons in hard work, freedom, selflessness and helping others. I often wish there were more stories like this – it’s almost an adult novel hidden in a children’s book!