The Mouldy by William Mayne, illustrated by Nicola Bayley
My husband and I collect illustrated children's books. Anything that takes our fancy really, but we do have a few books in our collection which are illustrated by Nicola Bayley. Nicola is perhaps best-known for her stunning illustrations of cats and indeed her particular favourite is 'The Patchwork Cat' by William Mayne. However, the book that caught my attention was another by William Mayne called 'The Mouldy'.
Although very familiar with the beautiful pictures, I must admit I'd never actually read the story until I needed to get my head down and write a featured book article for our website. I'm glad I did read it though. It's short which means it is excellent for a quick bedtime read and, much like Nicola Bayley's other works, the illustrations are exquisite.
The story starts....
“In the great garden of the world there was peace before Mouldy came. He came from the Wilderness in the night, under the ground, lifting the grass, plowing among the flowers. He shook the King's crystal palace. Along the street he tumbled people from their beds.”
Have you guessed who The Mouldy is in this story? He's a Mole!
The King sends his Soldiers of the Thistle to drive Mouldy back to the Wilderness but with no success as they are taken captive. It is the daughter of the King, Talitha, that saves the day. She confronts Mouldy and, trying to provoke him into a fight, finds that Mouldy is extremely grateful to her for satisfying an itch! At this Talitha is able to secure the freedom of the Soldiers of the Thistle and to persuade Mouldy to leave the garden of the world... in exchange for her hand in marriage (after all, his itch does need constant scratching!)
A Royal Wedding is arranged but as Talitha goes to get ready she asks old Hedgehog to scratch Mouldy for a while. Can you guess what happens?
“Oh” said Mouldy. “Oh, oh, oh. You make a fellow happy. I think I'd rather marry you.”
As Talitha would much prefer not to marry Mouldy she is quite happy when Hedgehog informs her “He has changed his mind. It's easy work for me to keep him comfy; and I think I'll make a better bride.” “Mouldy has no manners,” said the king. “But I'm rather pleased. They can have the royal wedding.”
Thereafter, every year a little old lady hedgehog comes up from the Wilderness for a gossip while Mouldy stays at home - scratching his own back for a time!
An unusual story delightfully told and, as mentioned earlier, exquisitely illustrated. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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Contributed by Maria
(Published 10th Dec 2014)
