The Secret of NIMH

The Secret of NIMH tells the compelling story of Mrs. Brisby, a widowed field mouse whose youngest son, Timothy, is too ill to be moved from their home before the farmer's plow destroys it. Driven by fierce maternal love, she embarks on a perilous quest, encountering a wise owl, a clumsy crow, and a hidden colony of highly intelligent rats who escaped a scientific laboratory. The rats, gifted with enhanced intellect and extended lifespans, agree to help her, but their assistance comes with its own dangers and a revelation about their past and future. This classic tale explores themes of bravery, resilience, community, and the ethics of scientific experimentation, making it a rich read-aloud or independent chapter book for children aged 7-11.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.