Nostradormouse

by Chris Tinniswood

A young dormouse awakens from a deep sleep and utters a mysterious prophecy. In the centre of The Great Woods, an ancient tree receives some strange visitors. Rumours abound. Change is in the air. This is the age of... NOSTRADORMOUSE. An enchanting mythical journey for readers aged eight and upwards, Nostradormouse takes an anthropomorphic odyssey round two very different creation myths, one Celtic, one Nordic. Entwining the two is the origin of a mouse who eats the ninth nut of knowledge and becomes imbued with prophetic powers. Joining him on his epic journey to the centre of The Great Woods are an assortment of creatures, all of whom play an important role in the end of eternity. And, waiting for him at the centre, is an ancient tree which hasn't seen life for longer than living memory. This is the beginning of the legend; the tale of Nostradormouse.

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Ebooks

108 pages, Nook

First published September 28, 2009

About the author

Histrionic What?

Histrionic Downs is an anagram of my name. I'm a writer, artist, designer and musician, (but not all at the same time). I live in Kent, in the UK.

Reviews

[Anna Kļaviņa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tale about a little mouse that eats a hazelnut from one of the trees of knowledge and that changes his life forever. The reader is welcomed to follow our hero as he travels to meet his destiny.

Tinniswood has woven in his tale mythology, folklore that younger readers might miss but it wouldn't spoil their enjoyment of the story.

And the illustrations are beautiful!

I suggest this to enhance the story: K-Pax by Edward Shearmur
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAgp-B...

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little story about a mystical mouse turned dormouse - the first of his kind. A telling of how the seasons were named and how they came about. More to come in the next book from this illustrtor/author from the UK.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a really cute little story about a little mouse who ate a hazelnut of knowledge. It mainly followed his journey through The Great Woods, and along the way, he divulged out names. I really liked how he ended up with his name - Nostradormouse. A pleasant fable about the different seasons, it is clearly a children's book. Since I read the e-book edition, I don't know if there were pictures in the print copy (and since I am new to e-books, I don't know the default when it comes to illustrations within books). I can easily imagine this book either with or without pictures - with pictures to target a younger audience, without for a little older. This book would be great to discuss with children how they feel seasons came about as well as opinions about prophets, giving of names, stars in the sky, etc.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this for free on feedbooks and it was a pretty good read. It's about a little mouse who received the powers to heal and tell the future after eating a hazelnut. It was a pretty good and little story. Definitely check it out.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute story about a small mouse who eats a nut that changes the world forever. Very enchanting, easy read that made me wondering if I'll be invited on the next adventure.

[SueEllen Mohney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet little tale about woodland animals in the dawn of the world. Has a simple fairytale vibe. Cozy & charming. Definitely worth the quick read. (I actually read it in one evening.) I'd pick up sequels if they were available.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very cute children's book.

[MGGMMGGM · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reason why I picked up this book was the cover. Isn't it adorable? Looking at the cover, you'll immediately know that this is a kids book, but in spite the fact I still picked it up.

Nostradormouse is a great book. Brilliant and simply mystifying. It was greatly written, a must pick book if you want to teach as well as entertain your young ones. :) A fast read, the book is just about 104 pages, it tells you a great tale about a young mouse spreading wisdom across the forest. A definite must read book. Chris Tinniswood

[Glasdow Teacosy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story. An interesting variation on old folk tales. Not bad at all.

My favorite aspect of the story was all the naming. That was often creatively handled. My only qualms were that modern idiomatic expressions were interspersed unevenly with the archaic, providing a muddy voice to the narrative. Also, the main character was passive, simply following the promptings of an unseen voice. This made for a dull story at times. Lastly, I wanted to know what the fish did with the knowledge of eight hazelnuts. It seems the mouse did all the heavy lifting. In fact, I wonder why we were ever told about the fish at all.

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reminds me a lot of a book By Jon Evans Beasts Of New York. It has almost the same story line.

The book had a very good story line, but it needs some work. I understand it is a short story but it is missing something. There needs to be more detail, some characters just disappeared from the story. I think if it was just a little longer it would be a lot better. All aside it was a very cute and beautiful story of how we ended up with the four seasons.

[R.A. Danger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written a bit like one of the old animal tales mix with modern fantasy, which gives the story it’s own unique style. It tells how the first dormouse came to have the power to see the future and the knowledge to heal others. The dormouse goes out into the world to give names, save animals and await for the moment to go to the tree and do the final act. That the fish with the eight acorns of wisdom is probably the one responsible for what is happening with the tree even if the story doesn’t say it.

[A.L. Stumo · Rating 3 out of 5]

An honest attempt at folk tale. The language was very appropriate and quite good. However, as with all modern-written folk tales the author was unable to get a sense of oral descent. That is to say, it never really sounds like it has been passed down from generation to generation. It sounds made-up because it has come from one mind and one tongue.

Still I waver on giving it more stars because it is so very inventive.

[Lora Baccus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Wish I would have had this one when my child was young, it would have been one of our favorite bedtime stories (along side vern & wells of course). I must get my hands on a few paperback copies since I will someday be a gma (in 5 or so years ) & will love reading this to my Grandbabies! This book would also be a nice gift.

Why has this not been animated & to theaters? Yes it's that good!

Loved it Tinniswood! Looking forward to more from you.

[Tabitha Ormiston-Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not bad in its way and well executed. It didn't really grab me but that is more for reasons of personal taste. I think this book will appeal strongly to those people who love Wind in the Willows, but for those who prefer Watership Down, perhaps not so much.

[Bibliofeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is good for the kids or the young readers. Although I enjoyed reading this book pretty much, in the end, I feel like it would be so much better if this story was told in a more elaborate manner. The ending wasn't that good.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book. I love the little riddles in the beginning of the chapters. I also enjoyed the course of the story. However there wasn't much of a plot. Though a good book. I would reccomend this book for children.

[Nura · Rating 3 out of 5]

sepintas kayak baca tentang kisah Nabi Adam yg ngasih nama-nama makhluk hidup. kisah perjalanannya kurang greget, soalnya Si nostra cuma ngikutin kata-katanya Si Find. ga ada konflik yg menegangkan. yg rada menarik cuman pas penciptaan musim, a bit of a twist that deserves 3 stars, I guess.

[Sreejith Panicker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short story but not upto the mark... Didnt liked it much an okay to read type of story...

[Hani Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small creature with full of knowledge. this book is simply the best.

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story of a mouse determined to fulfill his purpose or destiny.

[M Beal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute little folk tale of a mouse that goes to find his destiny.

[Peter Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enchanting little story. An easy read, recommended!

[William Harlan]

It was an adorable and entrancing story.

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute, but probably not the first thing on my list to recommend.