Children's Books · Hardback

The Chief Mouse Catcher of Downing Street

Norwegian title: Musefangeren i Downing Street

Lena Lindahl

Did you know that in number 10 Downing Street, home to the British Prime Minister, cats have been employed as mouse catchers for almost 300 years? The feline with the greatest perseverance was named Wilberforce, who held the position for 18 years. Other honourable candidates such as Treasury Bill and Nelson also went to great efforts for the Prime Minister. But the most notorious and merciless of them all was Humphrey. Following Humphrey’s retirement over 15 years ago, no cat has matched up to his impressive efforts. One day they discover that there are rats in the house. It’s time to find a new cat. The job goes to Larry, a peaceful garden cat who has enjoyed a tranquil and undramatic life thus far in a cat shelter. There are just a couple of small problems: Larry is pretty lazy, and terrified of rats.In order to avoid losing his job, Larry is forced to concoct a clever plan. More than that, he has to ally himself with some of the other residents in the house .

Musefangeren i Downing Street is based on a true story. Well, almost.