-Nicodemus, from the novel
This book is likely recommended for upper elementary students so why would this 70-something woman be reading it? I had discovered it as a 5th grade teacher, and it was a favorite of mine: a delightful fantasy with loveable animal characters. I needed something light and fun and Mrs. Frisby.. filled the bill. A rating of 5.
Mrs. Frisby is a mouse widow and mother of four, one of whom is very ill. She knows a wise mouse, Mr. Ages, who has cures to offer so she goes to seek his help. He gives her medicine for son Timothy but warns he will not completely recover for weeks. Further complicating matters the Frisbys will have to move soon because their home is in a field that will be plowed in early spring. She will need serious help to move the family.
After Mrs. Frisby rescues Jeremy the crow, he suggests the owl may have a solution to her problem and he flies her there. The owl is familiar with her name, having known of her late husband, Jonathan. The owl simply says, "You must go to the rats."
There is a group of rats who are seen going to and from a huge rosebush by the barn on the property of the Fitzgibbons, where the Frisbys also live. Mrs. F summons her courage and goes there. She eventually meets Nicodemus who tells her the story of the rats' escape from NIMH, National Institute for Mental Health, where they were kept in a lab and given injections for intelligence, strength and longevity. She also finds out how the rats were familiar with her husband.
You will have to discover the details for yourself.
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