Albert and the Newcomen Engine: The Adventures of Albert Mouse, #12

By James Hywel

Albert goes to the Dartmouth Visitor Centre to look at the Newcomen Engine. He becomes very excited when he hears that Mr Newcomen is actually from Dartmouth. The little mouse decides he wants to invent things just like Thomas Newcomen and begins to learn all he can about the great inventor.
While visiting the church where Mr Newcomen was baptised, Albert bumps into another mouse, except this mouse isn't anything like Albert.
Albert soon discovers that sometimes life can be very difficult for some people and we should never judge them on first impressions.

(This story tackles the issues of homelessness.)
This book contains Dyslexia Friendly Font.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oink Books
• Release date: Oct 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223150008

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

Albert had been up for several hours and had spent much of that time sitting in his bedroom window looking out across the rooftops.

Oh, wow, the steam train! the little mouse said, as he saw the plumes of grey smoke rising into the air over Kingswear.

As he watched the puffing of the smoke from the steam train, he remembered the day he had driven ‘Goliath’ and saved all the passengers.

The little mouse jumped off the windowsill and went downstairs.

I’m off to the Visiter Centre, said Albert, as he placed his cap on his head.

The visitor centre? asked his mother, looking up from her knitting.

Yes, you know. It’s in the Royal Avenue Gardens, sighed Albert, as he adjusted his bow tie in the hallway mirror.

Oh, Albert, please tell me you’re not going to disturb everyone there while they are working, said his mother.

No, I’m not. Anyway, I’m sure they will be pleased to see me, he replied.

I’m sure they were just being polite, said Mrs Mouse. Anyway, what are you going to the visitor centre about?

You remember when I drove the steam train and saved Grandma’s life, said her son.

Yes.

Well, after that, I heard that they had a very large steam engine in the Visitor Centre that I should see, so I’m going to take a look at it, said Albert, as he opened the front door.

As Mrs Mouse heard the front door close again she shook her head and went back to her knitting.

That’s all the staff need, Albert under their feet, she said.

Chapter 2

Albert stopped on the front step and glanced around the garden as if he were looking for something important.

Ah, that will be perfect, he said as he walked over to a daisy that was growing in the middle of the lawn.

The little mouse delicately plucked the flower and placed it in the buttonhole of his jacket.

Yes, perfect! he said.

Albert then walked down the path, squeezed under the gate and looked around.

Higher Street was very quiet so the little mouse crossed the street and decided to take the small passage that went down a series of steps beside the Cherub Inn. He then walked down Hauley Road and came out onto the Embankment.

Albert gazed across the harbour and took a deep breath.

Hmm, that smells good, he said with a smile. I do like the smell of the sea.

As he stood there on the Quay, he wondered if he might be related to a famous pirate, or sea-going explorer from centuries ago.

Albert had taken so many deep breaths that he soon felt quite dizzy. He decided to breathe normally and walked along the Embankment towards Coronation Park.

In the distance, he could see the Platform Building and licked his lips.

Morning Albert, how are we today? asked the lady at the ice cream stall.

I’m very well, thank you, replied the little mouse.

There you go, said the lady, passing an ice cream cone down to Albert. I do like the flower in your jacket. That’s very smart.

I’m off to the Visitor Centre and wanted to look my best in case some tourists want their photo with me, said the little mouse as he licked his ice cream.

Just be careful you don’t drip ice cream down your lovely jacket, smiled the lady.

Ooh, good point, said Albert, wiping some ice cream from his chin. Anyway, nice to see you.

The little mouse waved goodbye, then crossed the road and headed towards the Visitor Centre.

Chapter 3

Albert pushed open the door of the Visitor Centre.

Albert! So good to see you, said one of the nice ladies excitedly when she saw Albert.

Look everyone, it’s Albert Mouse! He’s very famous in Dartmouth, she said to several tourists who we browsing the shelves for gifts.