Mungo

by Rosalie K. Fry

A youngster's loneliness comes to an end when he discovers a prehistoric sea monster off the Scottish coast.

123 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Rosalie K. Fry was born on Vancouver Island. She made her home in Swansea, South Wales. During World War II she was stationed in the Orkney Islands, where she was employed as a Cypher Officer in the Women’s Royal Service. She wrote many stories and executed many drawings for a variety of children’s magazines in Great Britain. She was also known as a maker of children’s toys.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

My obsessive campaign (one of many, I'm afraid) to read all of Rosalie K. Fry's books for children continues with this story of a young boy named Richie, who discovers an ancient sea monster on a remote part of the Scottish coast. The last of his kind, Mungo is a gentle, slow-witted creature who resembles the infamous Loch Ness Monster in appearance. Through him, Richie discovers the secret of Muckle Craig, a small skerry just off-shore, and embarks on a series of adventures...

I am not sure just why this book did not have the same appeal for me that some of Fry's other titles did. The matter-of-fact acceptance of enchantment that a story such as this relies upon, will be familiar to anyone who reads a great deal of anthropomorphic animal-fantasy. Mungo is one of the most believable elements of the book, it is the human characters who strain our suspension of disbelief, particularly Skipper. This is unfortunate, as one of Fry's strengths, in my estimation, is the completely natural tone she usually manages to employ.

There were engaging moments in this short novel, however, which leads me to conclude that it may just be one of those books that is best experienced as a child. The black and white illustrations by Velma Ilsley were something of a disappointment, especially after being spoiled by the likes of Margaret Gill and Robin Jacques in Fry's previous books.

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

This odd, pleasant little story describes the summer companionship of a small boy, a sea creature, and an old man. There is more description and feeling than action, as if the author daydreamed it and decided not to rework it to have more plot. Restful rather than interesting.