Considering that the story is about the misadventures of a clockwork father mouse and child, and their encounters with various talking birds/animals, this is actually quite a dark tale and not at all twee. Instead, violence, death and squalor are evident in abundance, with a wry black comedy setting, such as the alternative society developed by rats in the dump, and the avant garde travelling player company run by crows. Similarly, a dog food label provides the philosophical linking theme, as the Last Visible Dog becomes the symbol for eternity.

A book that works on a number of levels, and I would've rated it more highly, only for me, it loses momentum once the eponymous characters start to achieve their goal of being reunited with the clockwork elephant and seal from the toyshop where they all began, and acquiring the dollhouse from there. ( )

This book is unique and brilliant. This is my second time through and I am as awed as I was the first time. Lillian Hoban's illustrations are a wonderful accompaniment. Appropriate reading for adults and those that might want to read to them.. ( )

A fast paced, self -winding story that comes to life and brings a great lesson we should not forget, especially in these times of difficulty. ( )

This is another book in my desultory campaign to re-read books that I liked in childhood and see if they stand up to adult scrutiny.

THIS REVIEW HAS BEEN CURTAILED IN PROTEST AT GOODREADS' CENSORSHIP POLICY

See the complete review here:

http://arbieroo.booklikes.com/post/334868/post ( )

A charming if odd and slightly melancholy children's book. A dancing wind-up toy, the mouse and his child are bought as a Christmas decoration but discarded once damaged. They have many adventures with animals both real and tin, but struggle to control their own destiny as they can only move if wound up by someone else. ( )