Tumtum and Nutmeg
by by Emily Bearn
Illustrated by Nick Price
Tumtum and Nutmeg are mice who have no children. They live in Nutmouse Hall, that is, the broom cupboard of Rose cottage where widowed Mr Mildew and his children, Arthur and Lily live. Mr Mildew is an absent-minded inventor, so the children are often cold and hungry. Tumtum and Nutmeg decide to help. They do the cleaning, mending and fix the heating. The children think the mice are 'fairies of sorts' who are helping them.
Life is cosy until Aunt Ivy arrives; she hates nothing more than mice. Tumtum is poisoned and Nutmeg has to draw on her own resources as Aunt Ivy's attempts to kill off the mice increase. Nutmeg enlists the help of General Marchmouse and, with her bright idea, war is declared on Aunt Ivy... and they all live happily ever after. This is a charming, comforting and cosy story that makes a lovely read-to book.