Toby
The Mouse Who Lived in a Pumpkin
by
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Toby and his family dashed down the alley staying as close to each fence of every yard for their own protection. “During an attack, always keep close to walls and fences; never place yourself in an open area. It’s way too dangerous,” Toby’s father had always advised him. “Find places you can make quick getaways in any direction from either a dog or a cat.” But then, as an afterthought, he would remind Toby that cats also have the ability to climb.
Over the last few months, the Bell family of little gray mice had survived several close calls of being caught by dogs, cats, and once by a large brown hawk which was circling overhead in the noon day sun. But every time, somehow, they had managed to escape the sharp claws, teeth, or beaks of their enemies.
Now they seemed doomed as Father, Mother, and Sister Bell dashed into a space next to a fence, but, unfortunately, it was bordered by a brick house. There was no place to jump, climb, or dig under the fence to find safety. Only young Toby had managed to stay about ten feet behind the others with the alley as an escape route.
The large black cat slowly crawled toward the three on one side as the white cat did the same from the opposite direction. Both animals made horrible hissing and guttural sounds that terrified the three quivering mice. The two alley cats took pleasure in advancing as slowly as possible. They would pause and study their victims while surveying the area for any possible escape route the mice could use. If one or more of the family jumped on the fence, it would be a snap for the cats to catch at least two of the terrified rodents for a delicious evening meal.
Toby whispered to his family, “Maybe if I can cause a distraction they might chase me down the alley and you three can escape!”
“It’s too late,” Father whispered back. “They know they stand a better chance of grabbing two or all three of us even if you get their attention. They have us three in their trap and they’re not going to run the risk of losing out to chase you down the alley. No, Son, you have a chance to save yourself.”
Toby’s mother, Bella, could barely speak but managed to whisper, “At least I will know my son has a chance to grow up. Mind your father and do exactly as he tells you!”
“Son, there is a yard across the alley two houses down to the left of you. It has the tallest brown cedar fence and there is a gap under the gate by its driveway, but not too large that those cats can crawl underneath,” Toby’s father cautiously and quietly whispered. “Hide there until we come and get you. Promise me you’ll stay there for protection. Sister Bell, did you also hear me?” Toby’s little sister was so petrified with fear she could only nod in agreement.
Toby sobbed, “But Father, what will I do? How can I take care of myself? I want to be with all of you!”
“Toby, there’s no time for you to argue with me. I want to know that you will be safe there and can learn to take care of yourself. You will have to learn these skills anyway. I just wish I could be there to teach you. Son, I know you’re smart enough to figure these things out on your own and survive.”
The two cats didn’t like the noises the mice were making and moved closer to secure the invisible net they had created to catch the three.
Toby wiped his eyes and studied the grass below him. How could he abandon his family and live on his own? He knew very few ways of finding food or staying safe other than the few things his father had taught him. He adored his baby sister and couldn’t imagine life without her.
“Toby, you must move very quickly and fly down the alley to the yard I told you about. It’s your only chance. Don’t disobey me. GO NOW!”
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About the Book
"Toby’s father was pulling on his arms to hold him in place. ‘Let me go, Father! I want my mother!’ His father turned Toby around and held him with both arms. ‘No, my son. You must learn to live life on your own. Promise me you will go forth and master your environment. Do as I say.’”—Toby’s dream from the first night in the garden.
Toby Bell is a curious, young mouse who becomes separated from his family during a cat attack and finds refuge in a neighborhood backyard garden that is filled with a community of small animals. They adopt the scared little mouse and teach him the importance of group cooperation. As Toby grows, he becomes a natural born leader of the group and even helps establish the garden’s military security force to capture the thief who is stealing possessions from its residents. Toby finds himself the hero of the garden and is ready to conquer life and master his environment!
About the Author
John Crespeno always encouraged his elementary school students to write about subjects they knew and to weave imaginative elements into their stories. Slowly, but surely, these students would utilize their untapped resources by intertwining familiar places in their lives with childhood fantasy.
When this special education teacher retired to his own backyard garden, it caused him to wonder what went on among the various flower beds and gardens when he went inside his house at the end of the day. Thus Toby: The Mouse Who Live in a Pumpkin began writing itself.
Mr. Crespeno holds a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Education and has worked with various special education students for over twenty-eight years. He also mentored teachers and served as an instructional specialist for his school district. He is blissfully retired to a suburb in Dallas.