Friends in Books

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O’Brien; illustrated by Zena Bernstein. Atheneum, 1971. Mrs. Frisby’s husband died suddenly last summer, and in the spring she and her four children have to move to a summer residence or be plowed under by the farmer’s tractor.

Mrs. Frisby starts out to find help. She befriends a crow named Jeremy, visits a wise owl, and then goes to the rats of NIMH for help.

These intelligent rats have a highly developed underground colony; however, they have found life too easy for them and have made plans to become self-sufficient. How the rats and Mrs. Frisby help each other is an exciting science fiction story. This book won the 1972 Newbery Award for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

One Fine Day written and illustrated by Nonny Hogrogian. The Macmillan Co., 1971. A thirsty fox loses his tail when he steals some milk. In an effort to get his tail back, he finds that there is more need in life for a willing giver than a greedy taker. This book won the 1972 Caldecott Award for the most distinguished American picture book.

Hildilid’s Night by Cheli Duran Ryan; illustrated by Arnold Lobel. The Macmillan Co., 1971. An old woman works so hard to chase away the dreaded night that she is too exhausted to enjoy the beautiful day.

If All the Seas Were One Sea etchings by Janina Domanska. The Macmillan Co., 1971. When imagination runs free, seas and trees and axes and men all join together for a spectacular event.

The Bun a tale from Russia told and illustrated by Marcia Brown. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1972. A runaway bun escapes being eaten by hungry mouths until fooled by the flattery of a sly red fox.

From Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

From One Fine Day

From Hildilid’s Night

From If All the Seas Were One Sea

From The Bun