The bravest, most adventurous aviator mouse in all the world...

Book Review - The Adventures of William Brambleberry: Aviator Mouse

On My Shelf…

Now available through The Military Shop and Australia Post outlets as a box set with a soft toy version of William Brambleberry in his aviator suit.

This lovely little story about a very small mouse who longs to be the bravest, most adventurous aviator mouse in all the world has many facets to delight the reader.

On its most basic level it is a simple narrative about a character who has a dream, and it is fun to read with a very attractive little protagonist in William Brambleberry, but it is in William’s determination to rise to the challenge of achieving his dream that the magic is born – this story encourages the reader to believe in themselves. It is about courage and persistence and taking small steps to achieve big goals.

Aviator Mouse gives permission to dream big – and work hard to follow that dream despite the laughter of those who don’t understand or would try to pull others down. This is a message that is so important for everyone, and especially for young people as they negotiate the sometimes-difficult path of growing up.

Supporting the text, which flows easily and tells the story in easy to follow, descriptive paragraphs with just enough dialogue to bring the characters to life, are beautiful illustrations that really do help little William come alive, but there is more to it than that. The illustrations also show information about the Spitfire aeroplanes that William so loves.

And that is the third element of Aviator Mouse – a short and accessible glimpse of history. Yes, the little mouse meets up with a real-life squadron of Australian Spitfire pilots, flying from a real-life airbase in Cornwall during WWII. Information sprinkled through the book is followed up by some facts about members of the squadron and some snippets from their stories – and an invitation to discover more by reading research notes available at the website. What a fabulous way to introduce young readers to history – through the eyes of a friendly, determined little mouse that everyone can admire.

Aviator Mouse is a wonderful book for significant adults to share with their young charges, providing the opportunity to spark many discussions, but it is also very accessible for emerging readers to grow both their confidence and an interest in the past. It would also come in handy in the classroom around the time of historic military dates, such as ANZAC Day or Armistice Day, to introduce students to Australia’s role in world events.

A thoroughly lovely book – with a thoroughly lovely William Brambleberry soft toy – to engage interest and encourage further enquiry.

Learn more at Very Brambleberry or find out more about Geneviève Hopkins on her page.