Albert and the Mayor of Dartmouth: The Adventures of Albert Mouse, #8

By James Hywel

The Mayor of Dartmouth has injured himself while playing rugby and has been ordered to rest by his doctor. Realising that he won't be able to go to work for several days, the Mayor does the only thing he can do - he sends for Albert Mouse.

While Albert is meeting the Mayor, his sister Dorothy somehow sends the residents of Dartmouth into panic and soon cards, flowers and fruit start to arrive at No.10 Higher Street addressed to Albert.

His mother becomes very confused but all she can do to wait until the little mouse returns home before she can find out what has been going on.

Contains Dyslexia-Friendly Font.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oink Books
• Release date: Mar 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215032404

James Hywel

James began dabbling in writing in 2001 with many of his first books going to 5th and 6th editions. In August 2021 he wrote The Musings of the Milliner for and featuring his niece and nephew in Scotland. Little did he know that this book would be the start of The Magical Misadventures of Mr Milliner series (now containing seven books). His next series was the much-loved Adventures of Albert Mouse, featuring Dartmouth’s most fa-mouse resident, Albert Mouse. James has now written over 30 children's books. To try and explain where his stories come from would be impossible and not even James can explain it. His writing process is as unorthodox and quirky as his books are magical and mind-transporting. James pens a weekly email entitled Letters from the Oak Tree where he talks about writing, books, and basically anything and everything else.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Even though Albert could hear the noise of people going about their business outside, he was in no rush to get up this morning. There was clearly something troubling him.

As he lay in his bed there came the familiar tap on his bedroom window.

It’s open, said the little mouse in a loud voice.

The window gently opened and Big Tony poked his head into the room.

What’s wrong, are you ill? he asked, looking at Albert.

No, I’m just having some quiet time to think, said Albert.

Big Tony stepped onto the windowsill, then hopped across onto Albert’s bed and sat down.

What ya’ thinking about? he asked.

That’s the problem, said Albert. I don’t know what I should be thinking about, but I know there’s something that’s bothering me.

I get that sometimes, then I realise that it’s just that I’m hungry, so I go and get myself a pasty and feel better, said the gull.

I fear this is more than just feeling hungry, sighed the little mouse.

Albert’s friend thought for a little while.

What? asked Albert.

Nothing, it’s just that mentioning the word pasty has made me feel hungry. I might just pop out for a snack, do you want me to bring you something? asked Big Tony.

Mmm, a pasty as well, please, said Albert, realising he hadn’t eaten breakfast yet.

Right you are. I’ll be back in two ticks.

With that, the gull hopped across to the windowsill and disappeared out of the window.

Once again Albert was alone with his thoughts.

Chapter 2

As the little mouse lay in his bed trying to think about what was bothering him, there was a knock at the door.

Yes, who is it? he asked.

Me, said his mother as she opened the door.

Oh, morning Mum!

Albert Mouse, are you still in bed? asked his mother looking surprised.

Yes, but I’ve been awake a long time. I’m just lying here thinking, that’s all, replied her son.

Well, you can’t think on an empty stomach so, come on, up you get and have some breakfast, said Mrs Mouse.

It’s ok, Big Tony’s just gone to fetch me a pasty, said Albert.

A pasty! Albert, that’s not breakfast and, anyway, you don’t know where it’s been if Big Tony’s fetching it.

It’s fine, Mum. Not everything Big Tony eats is from a bin, you know, said Albert.

No, the rest is pinched from some poor unsuspecting tourist. Anyway, what are you thinking about? asked his mother sitting down on the edge of Albert’s bed.

I’m not sure. I just feel troubled about something and I’m not sure what it is, said the little mouse.

Well, you’ve been very busy lately and maybe you’ve overdone it, suggested his mother.

No, it’s not that. Well, I don’t think it is.

Is it your sisters? Because I know they annoy you quite a bit, said Mrs Mouse.

They are quite annoying, but no, it’s not that either.

Well, whatever it is, it will all sort itself out. And remember, if you ever need to talk about anything you know you can talk to me, said his mother.

Thanks, Mum, said Albert. But I can also talk to Big Tony as well.

Yes, well. I’m not always sure how much advice I’d want to take from him, sighed Mrs Mouse.

Big Tony has some very good advice sometimes, said Albert, sticking up for his friend.

Just then there was a flutter of wings and Big Tony appeared at the window.

Oh, hello, Mrs Mouse. How are you today? asked the gull.

I’m very well, thank you. We were just talking about you, said Mrs Mouse.

All good I hope? Anyway, here’s your pasty, Albert, said Big Tony handing a paper bag to the little mouse. "Eat up while it’s