The Adventurous Journey of the Toolbox Mouse

by Cynthia Fridsma

In a vibrant and bustling city, lives Whisker, a small, lively brown mouse with a curious nature and a brave heart. His home is an intriguing house resembling a giant puzzle, filled with mysterious nooks and crannies and strewn with books, perfect for playing hide-and-seek with his loving family. Despite the joy and liveliness around him, Whisker often finds himself yearning for a quiet, personal space.

One day, Whisker's life takes a thrilling turn. While hiding under a table, he overhears a conversation between Jim, the house owner, and Leo, a friendly repairman. Jim is upset about the mice in his house and Leo offers to help with his toolbox, which he claims contains items to scare the mice away. Seizing an opportunity for escape and adventure, Whisker bravely jumps into Leo's toolbox.

28 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2024

About the author

As far back as she can remember, Cynthia has been listening to exciting stories told by her mother. She grew up reading books from Edgar Allan Poe, H. P. Lovecraft, and Philip K. Dick, among others.

It was Cynthia’s mother who inspired her to start telling—and writing—her own stories.

Ms. Fridsma’s writing career started after a handicap in 2014—she has a tremor in her right hand, numbness in the fingers, and pain in her wrist. She had to give up her other creative outlets, such as photography, computer programming, and gave up on juggling, so focused on what she could do rather than what she couldn’t do.

Besides writing, she sometimes plays guitar—in Jimi Hendrix style.

Cynthia lives with her husband and pet rabbit Max in Amsterdam