Thanks to a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift, I’ve been revisiting one of my favorite childhood book series - the Miss Bianca series by Margery Sharp. After seeing the 1977 Disney film based on these books (The Rescuers), I got the first 5 books as Christmas and birthday gifts and nearly read the words off the pages. While my original copies are probably long gone, my husband found copies of the Dell Yearling paperbacks with the Garth Williams illustrations (for the first 4 books - Erik Blegvad illustrated the fifth book: Miss Bianca in the Orient) and I spent a couple pleasant hours reacquainting myself with the stories.
While the first book in the series is indeed titled The Rescuers, the 1977 animated Disney film owes a bit more to the second book instead: Miss Bianca with a young orphan girl being the object of rescue from a cruel, rich woman obsessed with diamonds. But instead of being set in the swamps, the orphan Patience is held by the evil Diamond Duchess in her palace, and then in a remote hunting lodge, from which Bernard and Miss Bianca must free her, with an exciting bloodhound chase providing the climax of the story.
A Norwegian poet being held in the Black Castle is the prisoner in the first book, and not only do Bernard and Miss Bianca go to his rescue, but they recruit a Norwegian sea-mouse, Nils, to provide translation services and assist in the rescue. The three mice face off against a devilish cat, Mamelouk, but manage to free the prisoner and return with him to civilization.
The third book in the series The Turret actually features the Diamond Duchess’ major-domo Mandrake as the prisoner in need of aid; and Miss Bianca (with the help of the local troop of the Mouse Scouts) goes on the rescue without Bernard’s help; as he doesn’t believe that Mandrake is worth saving. Miss Bianca also recruits a star racehorse, Sir Hector, in her plans to secure Mandrake’s escape, and during the attempt, Mandrake proves that he has reformed.
The fourth book Miss Bianca in the Salt Mines involves travelling underground in search of Teddy-Age-Eight, being held in the titular location. Bernard and Miss Bianca are saddled with two aged professor mice as part of their mission, and face some narrow escapes, but, with the help of their distant cousins, the bats, assist young Teddy in gaining his freedom.
The fifth book in the series (and the last I remember reading as a child) is Miss Bianca in the Orient, featuring the most exotic locale yet. Lured by the story of a page boy to be executed by elephant trampling, Miss Bianca and Bernard travel to an Oriental kingdom. Miss Bianca is adopted as a pet by a bored and temperamental Ranee (wife of the local Rajah) and becomes involved in court intrigue. Along the way, Miss Bianca befriends a royal elephant and once again, there are some thrilling moments before the page boy (and a handmaiden) are rescued.
Yes, there’s definitely a formula to these books; but the details of each prisoners’ situation, along with the trials and tribulations the two mice face, manage to keep things somewhat fresh. Miss Bianca is easily the star of these novels, with Bernard playing the (usually) loyal sidekick. The supporting cast of characters vary from book to book, but are sufficiently well-drawn to fulfill their roles. The objects of rescue are a little less-well-defined; and the villains are also somewhat two-dimensional. The Garth Williams illustrations are utterly charming; although I enjoy Erik Blegvad’s interpretations of the characters as well.
The style of writing is a bit dated, and rather British at times; but its gentle humour and generally engaging plotlines make these books good candidates for late elementary readers who enjoy “talking animal” stories with a bit of adventure thrown in. Miss Bianca is a fairly good role model; despite being a mouse of class and breeding, she demonstrates intelligence, loyalty and bravery throughout the series. I quite enjoyed revisiting this series and may pass them along to my nieces (and/or nephews) at some point.
