Valentino Ormankov Ormankov থেকে Старына, Belarus
One of my favourite books in the Discworld setting, Maurice and his Amazing Educated Rodents showcases the best that Pratchett has to offer. By turns hilarious, frightening and thought-provoking, it skilfully meshes laugh-out-loud moments with scenes that make one sob despite oneself. The rodents in question are a motley crew, characterised with Pratchett's trademark offbeat, yet somehow humanising method. Of course these rats are anthropomorphised - like the rats of N.I.M.H., they have superior brain power and a range of quirks - but their interaction with the cat, Maurice, is the true delight of the story. What I particularly enjoy about Terry Pratchett's books for kids is that he doesn't shy away from giving them not just a fun tale, but underlies it with subtle questions designed to push them into serious thought. Not merely a fantasy about talking animals, the book aims to stimulate thinking about the relationship of humanity to the rest of the animal kingdom. And, of course, it's a rollicking good read!