The Mouse and His Child

The Mouse and His Child by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Lillian Hoban (Allen & Unwin) PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 9780571307555

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This classic was first printed in 1967.  Russell Hoban has left a magnificent legacy to the world of children’s books. Anyone who has not undertaken a journey into his work, I suggest you explore his incredible talent.

As always, Hoban’s work is composed of strong philosophical messages and powerful themes that weave in and out of clever prose and a well-crafted story. The illustrations are by Russell’s wife, Lillian Hoban.

The backstory begins with two tin wind-up toy mice. They are father and son that live in a grand doll’s house until they are purchased from the toy shop to be placed under a Christmas tree. For years they are taken out and wound only during the days of Christmas, before they are crushed by a falling vase and thrown into the rubbish bin. A homeless man that had admired them through the shop window before their sale, retrieves them, patches them up, and sets them on their way to whatever is waiting for them.

 

They go on a courageous, lengthy journey which becomes a lesson in self-discovery. Great change occurs in both father and child mouse. They restore themselves from the broken shells they had become due to bad experiences and betrayals, overcome starvation and immobility, and endure everything to remain free. Their past prepares them for what’s to come.

Roles are reversed. The last are now first; the enemy now an ally and friend.

This story is about a ‘scattering regathered’, hope and optimism, and the power and liberation of forgiveness. It’s about family and a place of one’s own; the realization of dreams, and justice, as everything comes full circle. Absolutely brilliant!

Jim’s Lion

Jim’s Lion by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Alexis Deacon (Walker Books)

HC RRP 19.95

ISBN 9781406346022

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Jim’s Lion was first published in 2001 by Walker Books. That edition was illustrated by Ian Andrew. In this new edition, Alexis Deacon has created a stunning interpretation of the late Russell Hoban’s work. Its themes include strength and courage, overcoming fear and weakness, and the power of dreams.

Jim is sick and afraid. His dreams are filled with places he goes to in his sleep. He fears that when the doctors put him to sleep, he will lose those places and dreams.

He needs to find the inner strength to overcome whatever is hindering his recovery. His nurse suggests he look for his animal finder; the animal that can bring him back from wherever he will go when the doctors put him to sleep. She also gives him a don’t-run stone. Now it’s up to Jim.

These are the tools Jim needs for an optimistic state of mind. He discovers his finder is a lion. He must be like the lion; fearless, powerful and strong to fight his fears and overcome his sickness. His lion is always there to save and protect him from the threats, dangers and the darkness he has to travel through. Jim is sheltered and protected until he becomes the lion.

Powerful and full of symbolism, Jim’s Lion is an extraordinary work of art in every sense, and a collector’s delight. Hoban was called a genius. This book once again reinforces that truth.

Soonchild

Soonchild by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Alexis Deacon (Walker Books)

HC RRP 27.95

ISBN 9781406329919

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Sixteen-Face John is a shaman that lives north of the Arctic Circle. His wife, No Problem is expecting a baby that she’s named Soonchild, because it should be born soon, but won’t be born until it hears the World Songs that welcome all newborns.

John has lost many of his abilities since he started drinking Coca-Cola, reading magazines with centrefolds in them, and watching television. He sets out on a quest with the help of a strong dose of Big Dream Brew, Ukpika, a benevolent owl spirit, lots of spirit ancestors. He treks through frozen lands and years and is faced with many challenges and awakenings, before he finds the World Songs and returns with them so his child can be born.

This stunning jacketed book is Russell Hoban’s last novel completed before his death in December 2011, and was released by Walker in April 2012. Alexis Deacon’s haunting and mesmerising pencil illustrations pay tribute to Hoban’s most outstanding work.

Soonchild is an expedition into a foreign place; a trek into the spirit world of Inuit mythology, and the buried places of the mind and spirit where one’s deepest thoughts lie. It is frequently humorous, then dark but distilled. It provokes an examination of self as it takes you to places of stillness and silence to reveal the uniqueness of each being.

Every reader will come away with a different opinion of this extraordinary piece of work. One thing that we might all agree on is that profound and thought-provoking philosophical messages weave through the text, that once read, will call you back again and again. I closed the cover agreeing with Patrick Ness’ quote, ‘Hoban is the best sort of genius.’

The Rain Door

The Rain Door by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Quentin Blake (Walker Books)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 9781406343816

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

First published in 1986, this edition of The Rain Door follows the release of Russell Hoban’s new work, Rosie’s Magic Horse, which was published posthumously soon after his Soonchild, both through Walker Books in 2012.

On a hot summer day in London, Harry sees the rag-and-bone man pass by. He follows him and his wagon, and his magical words that Harry couldn’t comprehend, through the shade shape of the rain door. A voice urges and warns at the same time, about what he should expect on the other side.

Harry is ready for adventure, and rain. On the other side is the rag-and-bone man’s collection of oddities scattered everywhere. What does this magical place hold for Harry?

In an imaginative and thought-provoking adventure about the other side of reality, Harry has a lion, a dinosaur, a horn that goes GAHOOGA  and lots of rain to contend with. Will he be able to get back home, and how? Quentin Blake’s easily identifiable watercolour and pen art beautifully translate the text with coloured swirls of fascination and magic. 

How Tom Beat Captain Najork and his Hired Sportsmen

How Tom Beat Captain Najork and his Hired Sportsmen by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Quentin Blake (Walker Books)
HC RRP $ 24.95
ISBN 9781406343830
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Tom loves to fool around - with everything. He is fearless and loves to challenge life. His Aunt Fidget Wonkham-Strong wants the fooling around to stop so she sends for Captain Najork and his hired sportsman to combobulate Tom.

But Tom is a master at fooling around. It’s what he loves and he’s not reforming easily. The challenge begins between Tom and the hired sportsmen. Who will succeed in this tug-of- fooling around? Will the stickler for obedience Aunt F W-S get her comeuppance?

This is a fiercely entertaining and clever book. The language is unique and the artistry of Quentin Blake is also in a class of its own. It’s a funny book about the importance and benefits of play and having fun.

Rosie’s Magic Horse

Rosie’s Magic Horse by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Quentin Blake (Walker Books)
HB RRP $24.95
ISBN 9781406339826
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This delightful story, beautifully illustrated in watercolour and ink in Blake’s easily identifiable style, carries a strong message of hope. It represents the endless possibilities that life holds and the magic of dreams come true.

It all began with a new cast away icy-pole stick. It was picked up by Rosie and added to the collection in her cigar box. The old sticks believed they were useless, and nothing. The new one told them that it can be something wonderful like a horse. Desire is born in the others. They too, want to be a horse. A dream is born to all the sticks which renews hope and life in them all.

Rosie’s parents are unable to pay their bills. As she wishes that night that her cigar box was full of treasure that would pay for their bills, her hands unconsciously create a stick horse. “A horse can’t pay the bills” says Rosie before she falls asleep.

In her dream, Rosie astride Stickerino the stick horse, searches for treasure. They pass over cities and jungles, oceans and deserts until they come to an icy-pole mountain which is a treasure in itself. But it is pirate treasure she wants. Her longing becomes an adventure with pirates and icy-pole sticks and a casket of treasure. Rosie grabs the casket and escapes on Stickerino.

With the morning, the treasure from Rosie’s dream has materialised. Dreams can come true. Sticks can become something - even if they’re old.