Smysh and Roy. Stories out of Nothing

The charming stories about two inseparable friends, Smish and Roy, were written by British author Joyce Dunbar. The wonderful British artist James Mayhew illustrated them, and he was so taken with this delightful pair that he filled their world with objects and items from his own life. In the Forest Glade, right behind Rabbit's burrow and next to Owl's hollow, live the balanced, delicate, and sensible mouse Smish and the wild, whimsical, selfish, but endearing mole Roy, with his childlike spontaneity. Their days are filled with various events: in eight short stories, they make plans for tomorrow, roast chestnuts and bake muffins in the fireplace over applewood, start cleaning, quarrel and make up, go on a picnic, walk through the forest, throw pebbles into the pond, and discuss the meaning of life. Thus, through ordinary activities and conversations, they unexpectedly begin to see the extraordinary in the everyday. And they realize that they, too, are extraordinary! "Smish and Roy: Stories from Nothing" continues the traditions of English children's literature. The humorous dialogues, actions, and relationships of the characters, and most importantly, the tenderness and kindness that permeate every single line, allow this book to be compared to such classic works as Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in the Willows" and A.A. Milne's "Winnie-the-Pooh." Adults will undoubtedly appreciate the subtle humor, and children will surely love these lively and vibrant characters.