Vegetable Thieves

by Inga Moore

Des and Letty, a pair of gardening mice, track down the hungry thieves who have been stealing vegetables from their prized garden

Genres: Picture Books

26 pages, Hardcover

First published April 16, 1984

About the author

Inga Moore is a distinguished author and illustrator of children’s books whose illustrated titles include acclaimed versions of THE SECRET GARDEN and THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS. She lives in England.

Reviews

[Tashinga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember when I was around 8 and I used to love reading, but it was mostly fables and childhood stories I read. One morning I saw this dusty book lying cramped on the library floor (we had a very small librar) and out of interest I just borrowed it. I never got around to reading it until around a week later when I started reading it at night by myself and I would just love it and would thoroughly enjoy it. I used to be so happy each night reading it that it became a ritual and everytime I would immerse myself into the world of the rats and join in looking for their vegetables. One of my best childhood memories and I was quite sad when I had to give it back to the library.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute story with an happy ending that my son and I both enjoyed.
Des and Letty are two tired farmers that get real steamed when they noticed food is being stolen from them. When they realize the thieves are hungry, orphaned children, they strike up a bargin: the children help out on the food in exchange for a hot, hearty meal.
The kids enjoy it so much, they ask to move in and become one, big, happy family.

[Zoe Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slightly odd book with a lovely message. All about an overworked couple who were struggling to cope with all the work they were doing. Then a problem occurs which actually leads them to a solution which suits everyone.

[Jennifer McCallum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book despite the slightly scary red-eyed main characters. Family is about helping each other and does not have to be made up through blood.

[Carly Hales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darling pictures and story!

[Mike Spinak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This course of this children's story is somewhat strange, and the story is perhaps a little bit edgier than most books for young children. It had more depth, substance, and originality than many children's books do. There are some awkward aspects that may be questionable, but there are beautiful aspects about forgiveness, love, and redemption, which more than make up for them possible missteps.

The illustrations are very good, and the story is engaging.

[Alan Culler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great childhood book about rats that steal from a garden in order to survive. It taught me how to steal what I need.