Published on: 2026-09-27
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On weekends, employees of Moscow reading rooms tell mos.ru about children’s books that contain answers to serious questions. Anna-Rut Biantovskaya from Library No. 177 recommends introducing young readers to the works of Joe Todd-Stanton, Daniel Keyes, and other authors.
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Toddlers
“A Mouse Called Julian” by Joe Todd-Stanton
The main character of the book by British author Joe Todd-Stanton, a mouse named Julian, is used to a quiet and measured life in complete solitude. He tries not to communicate with neighbors, avoid any unclear situations, and steer clear of anything that might disrupt his usual routine. But one day, everything goes awry — a huge unfamiliar fox bursts into his house through the window and gets stuck there. From that moment, Julian’s peaceful life starts to crack, and he not only has to interact with someone but also help the one he is afraid of.
It is this absurd and even frightening encounter that becomes the beginning of the most unexpected and strong friendship. The book teaches to look closely at those around you, not to judge by first impressions, and to be open to change. The author’s illustrations, done in his recognizable style, are filled with interesting details and create a unique atmosphere that makes you want to linger.
“Smish and Roy. Happy Days” by Joyce Dunbar
For reading with young children, I want to recommend another book about friendship, created by the British author Joyce Dunbar. The little mouse Smysh and the mole Roy live in a forest thicket, and every day they try to find something special. The book consists of six short stories in which the friends put a hammock to the test, search for lost glasses, catch a falling autumn leaf, rejoice at the first spring flower, argue about the length of a mustache, and joyfully celebrate Roy’s birthday.
Funny dialogues, actions, and relationships of the characters allow this book to be compared to classic works, such as, for example, A. A. Milne’s “Winnie-the-Pooh and All, All, All.” Adults will appreciate the subtle English humor, and children will surely love the lively and vivid characters who teach friendship, helping each other, and enjoying the little things.
For older children
“The Cheese-Colored Van” by Geronimo Stilton
Under the pseudonym Geronimo Stilton, from whom the narrative in the book series is told, hides the Italian writer Elisabetta Dami. The main character — a mouse and the editor-in-chief of “The Rodent’s Voice,” Dr. Stilton prefers a calm and measured life, but adventures find him with enviable regularity. This time everything started with a visit from his beloved grandfather Torquato Tolkasso, who arranged an unforgettable journey for them across the entire Mousearctica in a huge van the color of Swiss cheese.
The author succeeded in creating a lively and vivid world, endowing the narrative with a dynamic plot, funny situations, and charismatic characters. The book not only entertains but also teaches important things: courage, friendship, family values, and the ability to look at difficulties with humor.
How to get a child interested in reading: librarians’ life hacks
“Kefir, Gavrosh and Ricochet, or the Adventures of Alien Raccoons” by Evgeny Gagloev
In Yevgeny Gagloev’s work, elements of science fiction and adventure are combined. The main characters, alien raccoons, land on Earth while escaping from the cunning fortune teller Murena, and immediately find a true friend — a girl named Irina.
The author adds a bit of absurdity and irony to the text, masterfully creating an atmosphere full of humor and unexpected events, which makes the reading light and engaging. Readers will not only spend several enjoyable evenings with the book but will also reflect on deeper themes such as friendship and accepting oneself and others as they are.
For teenagers
“Brian Jacques’ Redwall Warrior”
Brian Jacques’ novel “Redwall Warrior” opens a series of books about a world inhabited by talking animals, where good and evil engage in an eternal struggle, and courage and honor prove stronger than any weapon. At the center of the plot is Redwall Abbey, a cozy home of peaceful mice, moles, and squirrels, which is struck by a terrible threat — an army of ruthless rats led by the one-eyed leader Cluny the Scourge.
The book not only captivates with its adventurous plot but also touches on important themes — the significance of friendship, mutual help, and loyalty to one’s word. “Warrior of Redwall” is the perfect reading for schoolchildren who love stories about heroes, trials, and the triumph of good over evil.
“Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keyes
The novel “Flowers for Algernon” is a poignant story that explores the limits of the human mind, the value of individuality, and the nature of happiness. The main character, Charlie Gordon, lives with mild intellectual disability and works as a janitor in a bakery. He also dreams greatly of becoming intelligent. One day, his wish comes true — Charlie becomes a participant in a medical experiment that was previously conducted on a mouse named Algernon and significantly increased her intelligence.
The novel is presented in the form of a diary that Charlie keeps throughout the entire experiment. This technique allows the reader to observe step by step the astonishing changes in his consciousness: from naïve and simple entries to complex philosophical reflections. Keyes masterfully portrays the tragedy of the acquired intelligence, which reveals to Charlie not only the world of knowledge but also the bitter truth about people, their cruelty, loneliness, and his own vulnerability.
“Flowers for Algernon” is a powerful philosophical parable about what it means to be human. The book stays with the reader for a long time, helping to reflect on friendship, love, compassion, and the right to make mistakes.
More excellent books, vetted by readers of children’s libraries and their staff, are featured in the section “Librarian’s Tips”.
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