Tumtum & Nutmeg, by Emily Bearn

(Paperback, 512 pages, first published in 2011)

Deep inside the broom cupboard of Rose Cottage, two mice live in great style.

Tumtum and Nutmeg lead cozy and quiet lives, secretly looking after Arthur and Lucy, the disheveled human children of the cottage, never dreaming that so many exciting adventures will soon find them. But when evil Aunt Ivy, a squeamish schoolteacher named Miss Short, and pirating pond rats threaten the safety of those they hold dear, the courageous pair will stop at nothing to save the day.

In three thrilling tales of daring and wit, Tumtum and Nutmeg—along with veteran hero General Marchmouse, Ms. Tiptoe's bouncing ballerina army, and a team of caged gerbils—prove that small-size mice can have world-size hearts.

Cautions: Aunt Ivy is a mean, dark character who tries to exterminate the mice with poison. She smokes cigarettes. Some of the mice smoke cigars. See PluggedIn’s review here.

Recommended Age: 5-10