The amazing Maurice by Terry Pratchett

The Amazing Maurice written by Terry Pratchett, the great British author, is highly humorous and entertaining.  A republished version of the original title The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, this publication has been reimaged to celebrate the upcoming film.

Maurice is a cunning and clever cat, who is not your usual moggy. Working with a young boy and an army of rats, they set out to trick towns, Pied Piper Style, and become rich. After previously ingesting magical substance from the rubbish pile, the rats now have the ability to talk and show a higher level of intelligence, emotion and thought. Maurice, after unknowingly eating one of these rats, developed the powers too…..But now he has stronger standards and only eats things that don’t use dialogue!

Together they are a strong force! Ingeniously they plan their misdemeanours to rid each town of their supposed rat plague. However, there is some distrust amongst the gang, and the next town they target is not like the previous ones. This one is not going to go to plan at all!

Upon entering the town, they soon meet the mayor’s daughter, a young girl named Malicia. She loves telling tales and doesn’t really fit in with the rest of the town. As they begin to complete their resourceful operation, things don’t feel right. But, when unable to abort the mission, what will Maurice and the raucous rats do as they encounter the worst of the worst?

Highly entertaining and funny… Filled with ingenuity, anarchy and misadventures. This satirical story will instantly conjure a little movie reel in the audience’s head, through the strong visual text, even before you see the actual film!

As a bonus, this printed copy has some sneak peeks with special coloured film stills of scenes from the upcoming movie. Also, at the back it includes exerts from the Director’s screenplay, all adding to the novel’s 'coolness'. 

Themes: Ingenuity, Problem solving, Friendship, Adventure, Humour, Teamwork, Folktale..

Michelle O'Connell