Tumtum & Nutmeg: The Rose Cottage Tales (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
Tumtum & Nutmeg: The Rose Cottage Tales features three stories starring some of my favorite mice: A Christmas Adventure, A Seaside Surprise, and A Circus Adventure. In A Christmas Adventure, Tumtum and Nutmeg worry that the Mildew children (Arthur and Lucy) won't have Christmas this year unless they intervene. The mice read their letters to Santa. Arthur wants a toy car. Lucy wants a box of magic tricks. Can two mice give the children a Christmas to remember? Of course! Can two mice make an adventure of Christmas? Yes! Tumtum and Nutmeg seek to find the children presents locally. Baron Toymouse reigns over a nursery at a nearby house. (The children have long since grown up. He rules the former play room.) Baron Toymouse HAS a horrid reputation. But Tumtum and Nutmeg would risk just about anything to help the two children they've come to love so much. (They are more involved in Arthur and Lucy's upbringing then Mr. Mildew.)In A Seaside Surprise, Tumtum and Nutmeg vacation with Arthur and Lucy (again). General Marchmouse also tags along. The two children are spending their holiday with their uncle or great-uncle. I enjoyed this adventure more than earlier ones, I believe. Or else I've come to appreciate the nonsensical General Marchmouse!In A Circus Adventure, birthdays are celebrated. General Marchmouse has been invited to dine with Tumtum and Nutmeg. Unfortunately, he doesn't show up at his own party. Why? Well, he spies a present. It was Arthur's birthday as well. His uncle has sent a lovely present. A circus. A circus with a bus. General Marchmouse gives into temptation, he steals the bus and the ringmaster's clothes. He takes the bus for a trip outside and happens upon a circus in the meadow. A mouse circus of sorts. The book presents General Marchmouse at his best and worst. Can Tumtum and Nutmeg intervene and save all concerned?! I was surprised that I liked/really liked ALL three stories. I was expecting to like one or maybe even two. But I really enjoyed all three stories. I was expecting to like A Circus Adventure the least, and, it may just be my favorite!!! I would definitely recommend the six books I've read so far. Tumtum and Nutmeg live fashionably in Nutmouse Hall within Rose Cottage, looking after Lucy and Arthur, the resident children. This collection of three different tales, a Christmas, seaside, and circus adventure, with its quaint, old-fashioned tone brings to mind a combination of a British version of The Mouse and the Motorcycle coupled with the Barklem books. Suitable for strong 3rd to 4th graders who can handle the length.
What do You think about Tumtum & Nutmeg: The Rose Cottage Tales (2010)?
Not quite as good as the first book, but still very sweet and a lot of fun to read.
—Timppa99
I want more! Think Wind-in-the-Willows with an adorable mouse couple.
—jess
Cute book! My fourth graders enjoy reading it!
—ash
