Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh
#1 of 3 in Rats of NIMH Series
What’s inside...
Time is running out for Mrs Frisby, a widowed mouse who must move her family before the farmer destroys their home. Her youngest son, Timothy, is too ill to survive the move. Unexpected help comes from a group of super-intelligent rats, the rats of NIMH, who devise a brilliant solution to her problem. As Mrs. Frisby helps the rats, she discovers their extraordinary past and the dangers they face.
Character compass
Mrs. Frisby
Auntie Shrew
Justin
Jeremy
Timothy Frisby
Nicodemus
Mr. Ages
Discussion points
Why do you think Mrs. Frisby was so determined to help her family? What would you do in her situation?
What did you learn about the Rats of NIMH? How do they compare to humans in their thoughts and actions?
How do the characters in the story show bravery? Can you share a time when you felt brave?
What role does friendship play in this story? Why is it important?
How does the setting impact the story? What changes might happen if it occurred somewhere else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open-ended responses to foster deeper understanding. Use pauses after questions to give your child time to think. Relate questions back to your child's experiences to make connections more personal and meaningful. Highlight themes like courage, family, and innovation through examples in the book and ask your child to point out others. Lastly, encourage a retelling of the story from a different character’s perspective to develop empathy and different viewpoints.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse, musters the courage to face numerous dangers to save her family, showing resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing challenges bravely, even when afraid, and the role of courage in overcoming life's obstacles.
Example Lesson: Importance of knowledge and learning
Explanation: The highly intelligent Rats of NIMH gained their abilities through education and research, showcasing how knowledge can lead to better life opportunities.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value education and see learning as a tool for personal empowerment and problem-solving.
Example Lesson: The value of compassion and helping others
Explanation: The rats assist Mrs. Frisby even though it involves risk, demonstrating altruism and community support.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of helping others in need and how compassionate actions can build stronger communities.
Example Lesson: Ethics of using animals in scientific research
Explanation: The backstory of the rats, who were used in experiments, opens up discussions about the moral implications of scientific research on animals.
Real-World Application: Promotes critical thinking about science and ethics, encouraging children to consider the consequences of human actions on other living beings.