Sir Mouse to the Rescue by Dirk Nielandt and Marjolein Pottie

This is a stunningly beautiful fractured fairytale for emerging readers aged 7-9 or to read aloud to younger children.

The story is of a brave knight, Sir Mouse, who is best friends with a dragon. One day Sir Mouse hears a cry from the tower – ‘Help, Help!’ It is Prince and he needs rescuing. But he keeps on crying so much that he gets quite annoying. Will Sir Mouse rescue the Prince or will she leave him to cry? And if the Prince asks Sir Mouse to marry him, what will she say? Will she ever leave her beloved dragon to go adventuring?

This is a wonderful story of friendship and upending expectations. Young readers will delight at the beautiful illustrations and the unusual take on some classic storylines.

With full colour illustrations, gorgeous endpapers and a door hanger saying ‘Don’t disturb! I’m reading!’ this is a book that boys and girls won’t want to put down.

Angela Crocombe is the Children’s Book Buyer at Readings Carlton.