Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Another thrilling war story, with resistance hunters, daring missions and the liberation of Paris, all told through lovely (and occasionally scary) little creatures. One of the best things about the Umbrella Mouse stories is that they are 'proper' war stories, seeped in that old fashioned war movie style, telling tales of a rebel band operating boldly behind enemy lines and swaying the results of the war. The twist, of course, is that they're animals and none of the humans fighting are aware of the part they play.

I loved the very tangible sense of peril, the emotions, the excitement. This story really ramped up the tension with thoughts of loved ones, in hiding, and in very real risk if the enemy manages to find them.

The characters are brilliant and really make you feel for them and the dilemmas the war has thrown at them. There's so much complexity to them, with fears and concerns, the occasional betrayal, rivalries and alliances. They really come to life very effectively. They feel like three dimensional characters, with all of the flaws and potential of any human antagonist.

The illustrations by Sam Usher are perfectly suited, and it all comes together wonderfully to create a fabulous, thrilling and exciting story.

Absolutely loved this book and it was a great follow on from the original book:

I adored the first book and this book isn’t far off from being the same.
I would highly recommend for readers age 8-12 and the language used did seem very fitting for this age range.

Hoping that there will be another part to this series and i am very intrigued to see where this will go next

Aww when I finished the first book I missed little pip and then when I read that book 2 was coming I had to read it.
I love the adventures pip has and the places she goes too.
Such a sweet little character with a big heart.

Another follow-up to a book I very much enjoyed - this continues the adventures of Pip, an orphaned young mouse, as she works with Noah's Ark, an animal organisation working to help the human Allied armies defeat the Germans as they retreat after the D-Day landings. After their betrayal by someone from within the group they travel to Paris, join in with the (literally) underground resistance there, make new friends and enemies too. As previously, the wartime setting means there is peril, betrayal and death and this is cleverly done to highlight the horrors of war for young people without being too gory.

This feels like a cute read… seeing as we follow a mouse kitten, Pip. But it is so much more than that. It is a great adventure story that perfectly captures the horrors of War and highlights courage, sacrifice, family and friends.

The story sets of almost immediately after the end of the first book, and no time is wasted to drop us straight back into action. Noah’s Ark sabotages its way towards Paris, where it helps the resistance towards liberation. We follow our beloved characters from the first book (those who survived at least), but also meet a great cast of new friends. Pip is a great protagonist, and she really shows her growth in this book. The author did every character justice, choosing the right animals and using their personal strengths and weaknesses to make each a unique and well-rounded character.

This book is so well-researched, and the fact that it is filled with ‘real-life’ characters makes it even more special for me. There could easily be a third book in this series (which I would happily read), but the epilogue does bring it to a lovely conclusion.

I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great sequel. Continuing straight on from where we left Pip at the end of book 1, we join members of Noah's Ark dealing with the aftermath of those events. Almost straight away, we are right back into the action, evading enemy animals and watching the Pip and her friends' ingenious methods of hindering and frustrating the enemy soldiers.

Whilst we are still following the wartine adventures of Pip and the Noah's Ark animals, this book is definitely not just a repeat of book 1 with slightly different names and places. Book 2 stands out in its own right and has it's own story to tell.

Book 1 detailed the effect of war on London, the experiences of parachuting into occupied France and escaping from enemy camps. The focus of Book 2 moves from the French countryside to the city of Paris. We get to see the workings of the French Resistance, the civilian uprising against the Nazi's and the liberation of Paris. Throughout the book, there is the constant theme of secrecy and betrayal. Who can you trust and what personal sacrifices are you willing to make for the greater cause?

The use of anthropomorphism continues to be spot on. The author has carefully selected which animal to use for each character so that it perfectly matches their personality and the role they play in the war effort. My particular favourite was the creature used for the doctor and what they used for bandages - so clever.

There are also some 'real-life' characters to look out for. I love how well-researched these books are. It means that I can recommend them to my students knowing that they are entertaining and informative. The epilogue of the book had me in tears. It brought the story full circle and finished with some beautiful messages of hope for the future.


Age suitability/content:
I would recommend to readers 9 and up with an interest in historical fiction (WW2), animals stories or adventure stories. There are just a few curses (damn, dammit and bloody) if that is a consideration for you. There is a sense of danger and the characters are often in peril. As it is set during a war, there are injuries and deaths but there is no gory violence.

Umbrella Mouse to the Rescue is the charming sequel to the award-winning Umbrella Mouse by Anna Fargher. Continuing the adventure-filled tale of brave animals supporting the Allies in WWII, this story finds our hero, small but mighty Pip Hanway, on a quest to journey across enemy territory and reach home. Resilience, courage and positivity are key in this powerful adventure.

After discovering the joy of the first Umbrella Mouse books thanks to my nephew I've been waiting for the sequel somewhat nervously, could it live up to the first part?
I'm pleased to say I enjoyed it just as much and it made a satisfying story arc. There is plenty of peril in the story, and also some lovely positive messages for all readers. I read the book in two sittings and resented being pulled away from it.
I also admire very much the restraint the author showed in making it just a two book story, this kept the story moving along nicely with no padding.

Pip is the most adorable main character, she has such a beautiful spirit and the kind of courageousness that I only hope I would have. Throughout the book she realises that she has found a different kind of family with Noah's Ark and other friends she makes on the way. There is also a little bit a hint to a cute romance with another mouse which was the cutest thing ever! The plot was executed well and was a perfect follow up to the previous book. I was really pleased with it and enjoyed reading.

I definitely recommend for anybody who wants a beautifully told historical middle grade adventure story with some incredible illustrations.

I didn't realise this was book 2 but it was absolutely wonderful! I didn't feel that missing the first one let me down or ruined it in any way but I think I am going in search of the first one to feel complete.

Just a lovely book that tackles some topics that aren't easy for children to understand. Well written & would highly recommend.

I enjoy a good, rollicking adventure particularly in a children's book and this completely met my expectations!

I haven't read The Umbrella Mouse, which is the first part and I wasn't aware that this was a sequel. Although it didn't take away my enjoyment of the book, there were some parts where I wished I had more of a background.

I haven't read a children's book set plum in the middle of WWII, and I found that angle quite interesting. I thought it was a unique way to explore themes of friendship and bravery that make the book such a delightful read along with utterly lovable, sweet characters like Pip and GI Joe.

A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

For me 5 stars are not enough for this wonderful book of courage, bravery and friendship in adversity. I loved the character of Pip, the Umbrella Mouse, in the first book and was eagerly awaiting her return. I was not disappointed. The action and intrigue starts as soon as the pages begin to turn and the characters are all beautifully penned, each showing such diverse characterizations. The reader is able to explore, at times due to the subject matter, challenging issues, from the safety of animal protagonists - which as an educationalist and historian I find a wonderful start to engender discussion and activities based on WW2. It follows the story of Pip, as she tries to get her umbrella back to the famous umbrella museum in Italy and her work within the animal resistance groups in France.

I love the idea that the author has taken the history of how animals helped us in the war and created this whole new group of wonderful characters. The adventure never stops during the book but there are moments of light and shade and moments when the reader can catch their breath before they are off again flying over the rooftops of Paris.

It is a wonderful introduction to this period in history but also a real heart -warming story of loyalty, bravery and courage. Things which we all need right now and things which children need to read about and experience. The fact that Pip is so small but yet can make such a difference speaks volumes as does the authors clever choices for the animal characters and their roles within the story.

I actually read this story aloud to my Mum, who was a child in the war, and who now has dementia. She was totally engaged in the book and loved the idea that the animals were telling this story from her and our history.

I would recommend this book to everyone and hope that we see Pip and all her friends , allies and the others on the big screen soon.

Thank you to the Macmillan Children's books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this amazing book.

This is the sequel to The Umbrella Mouse which was released last year and ever since finishing that I've been waiting impatiently to read this sequel. The story, itself picks up almost straight after the ending of the first book so you are ultimately thrust back into the action immediately. Plot-wise Umbrella Mouse to the Rescue is full of twists and turns and is written in such a way that makes you really feel for all of the characters in one way or another. The setting on WWII could be seen as inappropriate for a middle grade audience but like with The Umbrella Mouse, it's told in a way as to educate and get children interested in learning more about this period of history. Pip, I loved as a protagonist and her determination and grit to fight for her friends and for what is right was admirable. Her relationships with the other members of Noahs Ark just warmed my heart and was a little bit of light in an otherwise harrowing tale of war. Umbrella Mouse to the Rescue, was overall, a pleasure to read and I did enjoy being back with Pip and Noah's Ark. Children will honestly love this unique tale, and be both educated and entertained.

Umbrella Mouse to the Rescue is the simply stunning sequel to The Umbrella Mouse. This is an action-packed WWII animal adventure imbued with tremendous courage, friendship and hope in the face of terrible peril, betrayal and mistrust. It was an emotional roller coaster of a story, both heart-warming and poignant, as I followed Pip and her friends on their dangerous mission.

Four weeks after the events of The Umbrella Mouse, French Resistance group Noah’s Ark have been left with physical and emotional scars including grief at the loss of some of their friends. Courageously, Pip decides to continue to fight with Noah’s Ark, led by the indomitable Madame Fourcade, who agree to undertake a new assignment which requires them to meet a white mouse in the catacombs beneath the streets of Paris to help the human Allies in the liberation of the city.

This does not, of course, mean that Pip is leaving behind the Umbrella she has carried with her from her home in London and which is both a constant reminder of her childhood with her family, and a painful reminder of her terrible loss: Pip still intends to fulfil her mission of taking it to a new life in the Umbrella Museum in Italy. This has just been put on hold whilst she continues to fight with Noah’s Ark.

When a friend they thought they had lost returns, he brings them a dire warning: they are being hunted by the Milice, who fight for the Axis powers, and who want revenge on Pip who has become a symbol to unite the French Resistance fighters. They must escape the terrifying Butcher Birds and make their way through occupied territory to join in the liberation of Paris …

So begins an enthralling action-packed adventure, filled with the constant threat of danger, with astonishing revelations, with bravery overcoming fear, which sees Noah’s Ark fighting for their survival against terrifying new and old enemies. Will they be able to fulfil their mission of helping the human Allies liberate Paris, or will they be thwarted by a determined and cruel foe? Will new friendships lead to trust or betrayal?

I absolutely adored Pip who despite her diminutive size and understandable fear and grief, radiates a great deal of courage and tenacity. She has found a new family in Noah’s Ark, a family who she clearly loves. Pip is willing to take great risks to protect and defend them, even when that threatens her own safety. She is clever, noble and loyal and determined to do all she can to fight for a freedom she completely believes in: a perfect symbol of hope to unite the Resistance in their final efforts to liberate their country. Pip is an incredibly endearing and sympathetic character which made my heart ache for her when she experiences feelings of guilt and grief. I just wanted to reach out to her and hug her, so I’m glad that she good friends, old and new, to support her and care for her.

The reality of war is portrayed through the eyes of the animals, through their interactions and experiences, in a way that makes this period of history accessible to younger readers. Whilst there is heart-break, grief, cruelty and destruction, there is also bravery, hope, friendship and heroism.

This is a powerful and vividly told story which has at its centre the strength of friendships and the constancy of courage despite the cruelty of war with THE most heart-warming ending which is a perfect tribute to a brave little mouse!

If you haven't read Umbrella Mouse, you don't need to worry.  You'll catch up with the setting very quickly, and I suspect may not learn too much more of the first story, although you may miss some fun.

Pip is a mouse, who lived in an umbrella shop in London. She escaped, clutching an umbrella, during the Blitz. She's now an orphan, making her way to relatives in Italy. Not an easy journey for anyone during World War II. I'm intrigued by the premise in the blurb that it's based on true stories of animals during the war, since I don't believe there is any evidence of an animal resistance gang!  Be that as it may, it's a lovely story, and a good way of introducing younger readers to the real dangers and horrors of life in an occupied country during a war. 

There are been debates as to whether middle grade kids really like animal protagonists, and school librarians (mostly in the US) say they don't. I wonder why there are so many animal heroes in Europe, and the genre does not seem to be dying down. Is it simply that we were a field of war, therefore the approach is different?

The story itself is excellent, full of twists and highly imaginative turns. Some of the Parisian bits bear a considerable resemblance to The Deptford Mice but when you've got animals hiding under a city, that's kind of inevitable.  The division of animals into support for the Allies and the Axis could lead to some interesting debate. Do the animals live up to their stereotypes or not?

Altogether a very enjoyable and imaginative story, told simply and ably for younger middle graders (age 8 and up, I'd say). I may resist reading the first, and a likely third, though it's a function of my age, not the books!

Truly breathtaking. After devouring Umbrella Mouse 1 I thought it couldn’t get any better.. I was wrong! Filled with tales of love, hope, loss and friendship, this book continues Pip’s incredible journey during the war. It addresses the war from a different, more child friendly perspective and sheds light on less known aspects. The balance of fact and fiction is just right to keep the storyline engaging. And to top it off the illustrations are astonishing. Suitable for any classroom studying World War 2 (year 5 and 6 upwards)

Yet another totally brilliant book about the Umbrella mouse and her adventures with the french resistance. It is full of brilliant characters, friendship and a determination not to be beaten by the terrible circumstances surrounding the creatures of the Animal Resistance. This is a total classic.

I loved ‘The Umbrella Mouse’ and was excited to read the follow-up.
‘Umbrella Mouse to the Rescue’ carries on just four weeks after ‘The Umbrella Mouse’ leaves off with the battle at the Nacht und Nebel camp. No time is wasted and you are thrown straight back into the action with mouse, Pip Hanway, who is working with an animal French Resistance group called Noah’s Ark during WWII. Pip made the decision to stay with Noah’s Ark until the war is over before travelling to the Umbrella Museum in Italy where members of her family have lived.
There is much to do before the war is over though and we meet other members of Churchill’s Secret Animal Army stationed in France as well as The Great Stag and the Maquis (French Resistance fighters). There are many enemies hunting Noah’s Ark and Pip – stories of the events at the Nacht und Nebel camp have travelled far and wide – including the Goliath Rats and Butcher Birds. With so many enemies and so much ground to cover, it can be quite hard to know who to trust, even amongst those considered your allies.
Using animals to tell the story of events during WWII is a fantastic way to introduce such an important aspect of our history to children. I have thoroughly enjoyed both books in this series and been caught up in the adventure and emotions that Pip and her friends experience along the way.

It was so lovely to be back with Pip, Madame Fourcade and the gang from Noah's Ark, although when we re-join their adventure, they are mourning the loss of several comrades. During the battle and escape from Nacht und Nebel camp, Hans, Leon and GI Joe were killed in action and all the survivors have scars and wounds to heal.
However the war is not won and so onwards to new adventures and battles to turn the tide towards the Allied Forces.
There are few dull or quiet moments in Pip's adventure as they now race towards Paris to meet the Allies there. Of course, travelling through occupied forests and traps is never safe and Noah's Ark must have their wits about them and learn who to trust- it is not always easy to spot a spy, as we learned with Lucia in the first book.
There are several bands of resistance fighters hiding on their journey to Paris and Pip is revered by most- although some worry she is leading danger to them. A mouse kitten with an umbrella is hard to miss.
I still love Pip and her headstrong courage and love for her comrades- she is willing to sacrifice plenty on this journey- and I loved her more for it.
Madame Fourcade is still leading the troupe and putting her hoglets first in keeping them secretly safe. Henri, and plenty of new animal friends are welcomed into the throng of animals fighting to push the Nazis back to Germany. Simple tricks of chewing through wires, and being small enough to squeeze through gaps ensures that sabotage is working, and the people of Paris are urged to revolt against those occupying their beloved city.
When Lucia returns to take Pip, it is with a heavy heart that the group agree to Pip's plan- I was on tenterhooks reading this part of the book- willing Lucia to find a deep inner kindness but we know she has none. There are certainly some sad moments to follow but we can celebrate the rescue of the hoglets, the push from the human Allies and the end of the war.
Perhaps my favourite part is the ending- simply wonderful and so emotional.