Missing Mem

by Errol Broome, Ann James (illustrator)

Scamper and Scurry"Now tell me what you're looking for." Magnus edged closer, till his coat brushed against Mem's."Do...do you think, somewhere, there are others like us?"Magnus and the mice have a cozy home in the stable loft. But Magnus's whiskers are prickling. Change is in the air, and it's hard work keeping the mice out of harm's way, especially bold little Mem. Mem is searching for a friend like herself, and one day, when no one is looking, she goes missing. Will the mice be able to find her and bring her back? The journey to the circus is long and full of danger, but Magnus learns not to lose sight of the precious things in life, especially when he finds that Mem has made friends with the most majestic, the most magnificent creature he's ever seen!

144 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2003

About the author

Errol Broome grew up in Perth where she studied Arts at the University of Western Australia and worked as a journalist at the West Australian. She now lives in Melbourne. She is Literary Patron of the Society of Women Writers Victoria, and spends much time keeping her garden alive. An award-winning author, her books for children have been published widely overseas and translated into several languages.

Awards

Western Australian Premier’s Book Award (Winner 1992)
Children’s Book Council of Australia (Notable Book 1993, 1994, 1998, 2001, 2004)
Children’s Book Council of Australia (Honour Book 2001)
- bio from Fremantle Press (one of her publishers)

Reviews

[Gale · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A Mouse’s Home Should be his Castle”

This cute sequel to MAGNUS MAYBE continues the adventures of the Musculus family who inhabit the loft over a stable. Curious thing: every member’s name begins with M, so try to keep them and their relationships straight. But Magnus and Mem are different from the rest of the gray mice who live above the old roan, for they are escaped lab mice. They are white and know something about the lack of freedom. And perhaps more than their fair or necessary share of ambition and fame—which prove very expensive Human traits.

Interspersed among these 135 pages and delightful illustrations several themes lie barely submerged: that although a mouse’s home may be his castle, a castle is not always a good home for a mouse. That finding friends who Look like you, is not the same as finding friends who truly Like you for yourself. That kindness to other species is a good thing. And not to expect that all other species will understand Mouse-Speak or verbally communicate back. Last gem: you should venerate the advice of your elders. A cute read for elementary school children.

(September 17, 2013. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)