Joyce Dunbar: Mouse and Mole. A Time of Wonders. Children's picture book.

In the Forest thicket, just past Rabbit’s burrow and next to Owl’s hollow, live calm and sensible Smudge and flighty, temperamental, yet childishly spontaneous Roy. The long-awaited snow has fallen. A snow-Roy and a snow-Smudge now stand in the yard. And that means Christmas is coming soon. Roy, however, thinks it’s taking its time. While Smudge prepares for the big day, Roy opens the windows of his advent calendar in the hope of speeding up the arrival of the holiday. Roy has his hands full in the summer, too. His favorite motorcycle could break down at any moment. So, just in case, he has to take it apart to figure out how it works. And then there is Roy’s fear of falling off the roof, so he climbs a tree—just in case. But worst of all, a flying ghost is hunting Roy, so he hides under a blanket from it—just in case. Fortunately, kind and wise Smudge is nearby. He will fix everything! These sweet stories about two inseparable friends, Smudge and Roy, were written by British author Joyce Dunbar and illustrated by the wonderful British artist James Mayhew, who took such a liking to this cute pair that he filled their world with items and objects from his own life. The series of books about Mr. Smudge and Mr. Roy continues the traditions of English children's literature. The funny dialogues, the characters’ actions and relationships, and above all, the tenderness and kindness that permeate literally every line, all place them on par with such classic works as Kenneth Grahame’s "The Wind in the Willows" and Alan Milne’s "Winnie-the-Pooh." Adults will undoubtedly appreciate the subtle English humor, and children will certainly fall in love with these lively and vivid characters.

Author: Joyce Dunbar

Illustrations: James Mayhew

Translator: Elena Mamontova

Pages: 64 (offset paper). Hardcover

Dimensions: 265x205x10 mm