Le avventure di Stuart Little (1945)

I read this book because my mother was the musical director for this play at the Wilmington Drama League. She and I both wanted to see how it differed from the musical and it was rather spot on. Honestly, this book was a cute read, but I felt like it was rather rushed in the second half of the book and the ending wasn't well rounded. I feel like there could have been a lot more to this book. ( )

This is the story of a family whose child is, inexplicably, a mouse. He is almost murdered by a cat, and develops an unhealthy obsession with a bird. He also self sabotages a date with a woman who is two inches tall.

The ending involves advice from a telephone repair man and includes a somewhat sudden cliffhanger.

There are also an inordinate number of tiny boats involved, which always takes me out of the narrative. ( )

I have always loved classic children's literature and have read much of it. I especially love the classics that have animals in them. This particular book is one of my favorites and I think it is equally good when you read it as an adult or as a child. The characters are engaging and realistic and the story draws you in. It is a book I enjoy re-reading. ( )

The classic tale of a mouse named Stuart born as the second son to the Little family (just go with it - Stuart's parents do). Dignified Stuart saves his mother's ring when it goes down the drain, makes friends with a bird called Margalo, captains a boat in Central Park, and drives a doctor's toy car off on an adventure to find his bird friend.

See also: The Borrowers by Mary Norton ( )

Another great kid's read. White is a wonderful author. Seth hung on every word of this one and could not wait to finish reading about Stuart's adventures. ( )