The Amazing Adventures of Freddie Whitemouse — Elizabeth Jane Howard

From the much-loved author of the Cazalet Chronicles comes Elizabeth Jane Howard's first children's book, The Amazing Adventures of Freddie Whitemouse, following the magical journey of a mouse who wishes to be anything but himself.

The trouble was that Freddie really did not like being a mouse. 'It's just a phase,' his mother said, but it wasn't . . .

Little Freddie Whitemouse, of No.16, Skirting Board West, simply hates being a mouse. Mice are terribly small, frightened of everything, and aren't allowed to have any fun at all. Instead, he longs to be a fierce tiger, king of the jungle floor; or someone's treasured dog, able to run and play all day.

So when a sorcerer toad hears Freddie's pleas and offers his assistance, there is really little else Freddie could ask for.

So as not to make any rash decisions, Freddie agrees to spend a week as each animal. But what will he discover on his amazing adventure? And will he ever want to be just a plain old mouse again?

'Emotionally powerful as well as entertaining' â€" Sunday Times