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Arabel and Mortimer #1
Mortimer and Arabel
Mortimer and Arabel
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
11 people are currently reading
2217 people want to read
About the author
Joan Aiken
331 books599 followersJoan Aiken was a much loved English writer who received the MBE for services to Children's Literature. She was known as a writer of wild fantasy, Gothic novels and short stories.
She was born in Rye, East Sussex, into a family of writers, including her father, Conrad Aiken (who won a Pulitzer Prize for his poetry), and her sister, Jane Aiken Hodge. She worked for the United Nations Information Office during the second world war, and then as an editor and freelance on Argosy magazine before she started writing full time, mainly children's books and thrillers. For her books she received the Guardian Award (1969) and the Edgar Allan Poe Award (1972).
Her most popular series, the "Wolves Chronicles" which began with The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, was set in an elaborate alternate period of history in a Britain in which James II was never deposed in the Glorious Revolution,and so supporters of the House of Hanover continually plot to overthrow the Stuart Kings. These books also feature cockney urchin heroine Dido Twite and her adventures and travels all over the world.
Another series of children's books about Arabel and her raven Mortimer are illustrated by Quentin Blake, and have been shown on the BBC as Jackanory and drama series. Others including the much loved Necklace of Raindrops and award winning Kingdom Under the Sea are illustrated by Jan Pieńkowski.
Her many novels for adults include several that continue or complement novels by Jane Austen. These include Mansfield Revisited and Jane Fairfax.
Aiken was a lifelong fan of ghost stories. She set her adult supernatural novel The Haunting of Lamb House at Lamb House in Rye (now a National Trust property). This ghost story recounts in fictional form an alleged haunting experienced by two former residents of the house, Henry James and E. F. Benson, both of whom also wrote ghost stories. Aiken's father, Conrad Aiken, also authored a small number of notable ghost stories.
She was born in Rye, East Sussex, into a family of writers, including her father, Conrad Aiken (who won a Pulitzer Prize for his poetry), and her sister, Jane Aiken Hodge. She worked for the United Nations Information Office during the second world war, and then as an editor and freelance on Argosy magazine before she started writing full time, mainly children's books and thrillers. For her books she received the Guardian Award (1969) and the Edgar Allan Poe Award (1972).
Her most popular series, the "Wolves Chronicles" which began with The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, was set in an elaborate alternate period of history in a Britain in which James II was never deposed in the Glorious Revolution,and so supporters of the House of Hanover continually plot to overthrow the Stuart Kings. These books also feature cockney urchin heroine Dido Twite and her adventures and travels all over the world.
Another series of children's books about Arabel and her raven Mortimer are illustrated by Quentin Blake, and have been shown on the BBC as Jackanory and drama series. Others including the much loved Necklace of Raindrops and award winning Kingdom Under the Sea are illustrated by Jan Pieńkowski.
Her many novels for adults include several that continue or complement novels by Jane Austen. These include Mansfield Revisited and Jane Fairfax.
Aiken was a lifelong fan of ghost stories. She set her adult supernatural novel The Haunting of Lamb House at Lamb House in Rye (now a National Trust property). This ghost story recounts in fictional form an alleged haunting experienced by two former residents of the house, Henry James and E. F. Benson, both of whom also wrote ghost stories. Aiken's father, Conrad Aiken, also authored a small number of notable ghost stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 11, 2020
Fun classic, with little dated details and parts. And kind of an unnecessary crime story?
Okay, but the raven's antics are hilarious. We loved how Arabel and the raven get along. And her parents come through as unique characters. The mom's total horror at a pet raven never stops being funny.
Okay, but the raven's antics are hilarious. We loved how Arabel and the raven get along. And her parents come through as unique characters. The mom's total horror at a pet raven never stops being funny.
May 18, 2010
A number of years ago, I wrote to my elemetary school librarian at Coudersport Elem. School (PA) telling her how much I remembered loving this book. She actually pulled it from the shelves and sent it to me - and it still has the checkout card in the back with my name on it, dated 9/29/76, Jenny, Room 47. It even smells the way I remember it smelling. Haha.
February 5, 2018
I adored this little book. Every page. Rich with humour, Mortimer might be one of my most favourite creations. Stubborn. Unreadable. Painfully independent (especially if you like stairs). A hero. As always, Aiken's characters are delicious, from Uncle Arthur to Arabel's rather outrageous mother. Thank goodness for Jackanory and their proposal of commissioning Aiken to write a story for me. That story was this very one.
April 13, 2020
“Arabel’s Raven” could equally well be called “Arabel’s Id”. The connection between Arabel and Mortimer is instant and deep: when Arabel says that his name is Mortimer, she’s not naming him, she’s telling everybody else his name. Temperamentally they are opposites, with Arabel being a good child, neat, quiet, obedient, and well-mannered: Mortimer thus represents all the things she feels constrained from doing, as he is selfish, imperious, disobedient, messy, destructive, and generally wild. Mortimer’s total lack of restraint is best illustrated by his voracious appetite: he thinks nothing of eating anything from a pound of bananas up to an entire set of escalators. The comic potential of a raven who can eat a staircase and is constantly scheming to open up any other object that comes his way to search for diamonds is clear, and Aiken takes full advantage. As she does when she nods to another fictional raven by having Mortimer say “Nevermore” a lot, almost as much as he says “Kaark”: this is not just a joke in itself, but is used as an ingredient in further jokes. And though Mortimer naturally takes up most of the space in the story, Aiken makes sure not to neglect her secondary characters completely. Arabel’s mother’s tendency to get slightly hysterical when overexcited is a perfect complement to the story, as is her great-uncle’s elderly garrulousness: both provide the funny lines that Mortimer, with his two-word vocabulary, can’t supply. His preference, instead, is for physical comedy, which Aiken does an excellent job of orchestrating: usually the story involves Mortimer tangling with some bad guys, whether thieves or Arabel’s bratty cousins. Arabel’s father plays the straight man, largely unfazed by the goings-on and perfectly willing to temporarily replace the stairs with an aluminum ladder after Mortimer gets carried away and eats them. Aiken isn’t really concerned with tight plotting, but the stories move forward well enough, and Aiken's excellent comic instincts allow her to easily bridge any slow spots by having Mortimer do something funny. Furthermore, I find that these books retain their readability for adults much better than her best-known works, the Dido Twite series of children’s alternate-history adventure books. Anything that’s really funny is always readable.
March 15, 2015
Well, of course I loved it. I read this years ago along with the companion Arabel and Mortimer and enjoyed both thoroughly. I am sad to say these two have been discarded from my library and I was just able to grab this one before it went in a bin.
Joan Aiken is of course a well-known and loved children's author and I had particularly liked The Wolves of Willoughby Chase which I read as an adult, as I did these. If you know a child who loves animals, quirky humor, wordplay and British authors, this is for that child.
It is the tale of Arabel, a young girl who makes the acquaintance of a highly individual raven whom she knows instantly is Mortimer. They quickly take a fancy to each other and Arabel looks on fondly as Mortimer turns everything upside down in Arabel's parents' home. Mortimer will eat or drink almost anything, especially flights of stairs (which becomes quite awkward), hates to fly but loves being pulled around in a red wagon by Arabel, and chooses his bedtime locations carefully (the coal hod, the airing cupboard, the bread box). He also spends some time in a trumpet.
The book is written as a series of short adventures with delicious illustrations by the genius Quentin Blake (who adds a star). There are jewel heists, deathly childhood illnesses and a lovely evening with a babysitter-in-training. The language and malapropisms are wonderful--it's a book to have a great time with. Please introduce it to a lively young reader you know, or perhaps an adult like me.
Joan Aiken is of course a well-known and loved children's author and I had particularly liked The Wolves of Willoughby Chase which I read as an adult, as I did these. If you know a child who loves animals, quirky humor, wordplay and British authors, this is for that child.
It is the tale of Arabel, a young girl who makes the acquaintance of a highly individual raven whom she knows instantly is Mortimer. They quickly take a fancy to each other and Arabel looks on fondly as Mortimer turns everything upside down in Arabel's parents' home. Mortimer will eat or drink almost anything, especially flights of stairs (which becomes quite awkward), hates to fly but loves being pulled around in a red wagon by Arabel, and chooses his bedtime locations carefully (the coal hod, the airing cupboard, the bread box). He also spends some time in a trumpet.
The book is written as a series of short adventures with delicious illustrations by the genius Quentin Blake (who adds a star). There are jewel heists, deathly childhood illnesses and a lovely evening with a babysitter-in-training. The language and malapropisms are wonderful--it's a book to have a great time with. Please introduce it to a lively young reader you know, or perhaps an adult like me.
July 17, 2014
I've always loved Joan Aiken's Wolves of Willoughby Chase series and
this younger book lives up to it but is altogether a lighter, frothier confection. Arabel's raven Mortimer does not like to fly. He wants to be pulled around in a red wooden wagon. He likes potato chips. He sulks when not allowed to sleep in the breadbox. ("We could get another breadbox," suggests Arabel helpfully.) Wherever Mortimer goes, havoc ensues. But he's not all bad: he frustrates burglars, avenges Arabel against her very mean cousins, Lindy, Mindy and Cindy, and enlivens this slim delightful volume, wonderfully well illustrated by Quentin Blake. If you want to giggle audibly to yourself, pick it up!
this younger book lives up to it but is altogether a lighter, frothier confection. Arabel's raven Mortimer does not like to fly. He wants to be pulled around in a red wooden wagon. He likes potato chips. He sulks when not allowed to sleep in the breadbox. ("We could get another breadbox," suggests Arabel helpfully.) Wherever Mortimer goes, havoc ensues. But he's not all bad: he frustrates burglars, avenges Arabel against her very mean cousins, Lindy, Mindy and Cindy, and enlivens this slim delightful volume, wonderfully well illustrated by Quentin Blake. If you want to giggle audibly to yourself, pick it up!
August 6, 2014
This book was a cute break from the rest of my reading. A taxicab driver brings home a large raven that he saw struck on the side of the road. His daughter, Arabel, takes to it immediately and they become fast friends. The raven, Mortimer, is still a bird, albeit an intelligent one, and gets himself into trouble in many varied ways. He both steals and brings in the real robbers. He demolishes stairs. He enjoys putting coins in vending machines.
Anyone who likes a little whimsy and a characteristically British style of writing will enjoy this book. If you're not so big a fan of British books, well, maybe skip this one.
Anyone who likes a little whimsy and a characteristically British style of writing will enjoy this book. If you're not so big a fan of British books, well, maybe skip this one.
September 5, 2025
Laugh out loud hilarious; I am obsessed with Mortimer.
July 5, 2018
Arabel's Raven is the first in the Arabel & Mortimer series; this book is three entertaining short stories that make up collection one: "Arabel's Raven," "The Bread Bin," and "The Escaped Black Mamba." Written by children's author extraordinaire Joan Aiken in 1972, these charming, absurd, witty British children's stories about a very young girl and her naughty raven are full of hilarious misunderstandings and Mortimer's mischief.
The drawings by Quentin Blake suit the subject matter perfectly, and draw comparisons to some of Roald Dahl's tales. Mortimer's habit of sitting in the coal bin or getting stuck head-first in trumpets is nicely illustrated with sketchy energy.
Besides all the laughs and particularly "British" feel of these stories, there's a strong emotional element that made itself felt in "The Bread Bin"--Arabel is unwell in the hospital, asking for Mortimer, and the Nevermore-chanting raven goes through a number of discomforts and affronts to be by her side, and save her up from her dangerous illness by nestling by her side. So sweet!
There are a total of 13 Arabel & Mortimer stories in four collections. I will read every single one!
The drawings by Quentin Blake suit the subject matter perfectly, and draw comparisons to some of Roald Dahl's tales. Mortimer's habit of sitting in the coal bin or getting stuck head-first in trumpets is nicely illustrated with sketchy energy.
Besides all the laughs and particularly "British" feel of these stories, there's a strong emotional element that made itself felt in "The Bread Bin"--Arabel is unwell in the hospital, asking for Mortimer, and the Nevermore-chanting raven goes through a number of discomforts and affronts to be by her side, and save her up from her dangerous illness by nestling by her side. So sweet!
There are a total of 13 Arabel & Mortimer stories in four collections. I will read every single one!
November 6, 2019
If you like to laugh you'll like Arabel, one of the bright, quiet children Joan Aiken wrote about so well, and her pet raven Mortimer, and the rest of their family. Arabel's dyslexic mother is a particular delight to anyone who grew up with a parent with a disability; Arabel loves and respects her and has a hilarious time figuring out what she's talking about.
There may be one minor objection to these books. Mortimer's adventures are pure fantasy but they spring from the fact that ravens are clever birds that can become interesting pets. After reading about Arabel and Mortimer a child may want a pet raven. It's illegal to keep ravens in captivity, under ordinary circumstances, in most if not all of the United States.
There may be one minor objection to these books. Mortimer's adventures are pure fantasy but they spring from the fact that ravens are clever birds that can become interesting pets. After reading about Arabel and Mortimer a child may want a pet raven. It's illegal to keep ravens in captivity, under ordinary circumstances, in most if not all of the United States.
April 18, 2013
This book is quite funny! We really enjoyed listening to it, and Daughter can croak out "Nevermore!" just like the reader. However, it is INTENSELY British, and the seven-year old American didn't really catch most of those references. I found myself continuously interpreting (biscuits=cookies, lift=elevator) both words and cultural references (tea time, unions, attitudes and manner-expectations)
An aside: I was fascinated to have this book reveal to me just how different the language of English is growing in two countries. It shows to me how a new language comes about.
An aside: I was fascinated to have this book reveal to me just how different the language of English is growing in two countries. It shows to me how a new language comes about.
December 12, 2016
So cute. I loved this book. It was such a delightful mix of totally adult jokes (the Citroen at the end was illegally parked every time and had me in fits of giggles) and amusing things for children (Mortimer the Raven eats their stairs. Arabel doesn't blame him because how was he to know they needed them to get to the second floor?). It's whimsical. There's not enough whimsy in my life (hard as I try). It was a pleasure to read and I whole-heartedly recommend it for people with kids between the ages of 6 and 8. Or people who just enjoy a good three-hour audiobook filled with whimsy.
December 6, 2015
An odd little story, about odd people. I know the cover says "Joan Aiken" but it reads a lot more like a Roald Dhal--and Quentin Blake's illustrations simply add to the illusion.
I liked Arabel's character, and the raven was fun, but the rest of the story was pretty flat. Her mother didn't really fit, with her oddly-phrased questions she sounded like Maureen Lipmann's "Jewish mother" from the old BT ads.
For very much younger readers, perhaps.
I liked Arabel's character, and the raven was fun, but the rest of the story was pretty flat. Her mother didn't really fit, with her oddly-phrased questions she sounded like Maureen Lipmann's "Jewish mother" from the old BT ads.
For very much younger readers, perhaps.
February 10, 2017
Gripping, witty, and enough intrigue to make it interesting but not so much it scares children, this is a wonderful mystery solved by a raven who (for the benefit of Edgar Allan Poe readers) only ever says, 'Nevermore.'
Loved this, and was a big hit with the boy.
Loved this, and was a big hit with the boy.
August 29, 2014
I remember loving this. Have not read it in years but will read it to my son sometime.
June 26, 2020
We loved Aiken’s The Cockatrice Boys so we’ve been checking out her other work. This was a fun set of stories with illustrations about Arabel and Mortimer the raven that I read to my 8.5 year old daughter after her brother fell asleep. She absolutely loved this book and all of their hijinks. I wasn’t as thrilled with the stories at the beginning but they ended strong.i laughed out loud at a couple points during the last story.
March 5, 2021
When I was a kid I read a book, entitled "Arabel's Raven" which contained the titular story along with "The Bread Bin" and "The Escaped Black Mamba" so I was a little disappointed to accidentally purchase an edition only containing the first story. (Woe is me I have to buy more books what a terrible problem). However I very much loved revisiting the story about how Arabel and Mortimer meet for the first time.
June 9, 2018
Enjoyable book. I liked the relationship between Mortimer and Arabel. I think the pace of the book was a bit slow, could lose children's interest. However, I would recommend this book to children if they enjoyed these types/ themes of books.
August 29, 2018
Only about 75 pages, but a funny, warm book about the friendship between a raven and a little girl. Lots of perfectly ridiculous happenings that make it a wonderful book to share with kids. I think it would be a good read-aloud as it has lots of dialogue and quirky conversations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2020
This is a fun romp of a book, reminiscent of Paddington (tho I don’t know for sure, I think he predates Arabel and her bird) in the quantity and constancy of trouble the silly and spoiled animal gets himself into, with all being made right in the end.
June 8, 2022
Mr Jones takes home a raven who had been involved in an accident with two bank robbers. His daughter Arabel establishes that the raven is called Mortimer and accidently gets involved in solving the mystery of the robberies. Great fun!
December 7, 2022
Good for young readers. Aiken seamlessly provides nonstop silliness from beginning to end. Good bedtime reading for adults too. Each story is about 50 pages interspersed with occasional illustrations.
June 27, 2023
I discovered this series as an adult, first read them out loud to my mother, then this time, to my husband and I cried with laughter just as much as last time. My husband chuckled but didn't find it nearly as funny as I did. My inner child is obviously thriving.
June 27, 2025
What can I say?
Plenty, actually, but I shall keep it brief.
Joan paints a beautifully normal world filled with a rather extraordinary raven named Mortimer.
Mischief, mayhem and shenanigans ensue.
This book made such a mark on me growing up, I called crows 'mortimers' for many eyars.
Plenty, actually, but I shall keep it brief.
Joan paints a beautifully normal world filled with a rather extraordinary raven named Mortimer.
Mischief, mayhem and shenanigans ensue.
This book made such a mark on me growing up, I called crows 'mortimers' for many eyars.
October 8, 2017
Still funny, despite the dated characters and the amazingly bad behavior of Mortimer the Raven.
November 18, 2017
Whimsical, light-hearted and sweet.
February 28, 2018
Read this one out loud to my six year old. Man, that was a weird one. And it was honestly hard to read. Would have given up much earlier if my daughter didn’t want to finish it.
July 2, 2018
Quirky, from the story lines to the dated language and culture, but fun. F loved it.
August 23, 2018
Humorous read. Wish Arabel had a less passive role in the story.
February 2, 2019
Fun and funny
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews