The Amazing Maurice And His Educated Rodents by Terry PratchettMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of my favourite books in the Discworld setting, Maurice and his Amazing Educated Rodents showcases the best that Pratchett has to offer. By turns hilarious, frightening and thought-provoking, it skilfully meshes laugh-out-loud moments with scenes that make one sob despite oneself. The rodents in question are a motley crew, characterised with Pratchett's trademark offbeat, yet somehow humanising method. Of course these rats are anthropomorphised - like the rats of N.I.M.H., they have superior brain power and a range of quirks - but their interaction with the cat, Maurice, is the true delight of the story.
What I particularly enjoy about Terry Pratchett's books for kids is that he doesn't shy away from giving them not just a fun tale, but underlies it with subtle questions designed to push them into serious thought. Not merely a fantasy about talking animals, the book aims to stimulate thinking about the relationship of humanity to the rest of the animal kingdom.
And, of course, it's a rollicking good read!
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