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We love the Tumtum and Nutmeg series by Emily Bearn about a little mouse couple who find themselves having accidental adventures in their effort to love others. It’s sweet and imaginative with very low peril. It was just our girls’ speed when they were in that 4-6 range, but they’ve continued to go back for a comfort listen now and again. When we collected our new furry babies from hither and yon in Far North Queensland (we had quite a road tripping adventure, complete with a wild cassowary sighting), we were expecting two boys. We had (obviously) pre-named them Merry and Pippin. In a surprise plot twist, we ended up with a boy and girl causing us to spend a goodly portion of the ride home debating names. Most of our moniker pairings just didn’t match their tiny, tumbling personalities and bodies. The names were too big, and since we already had a Sammy pup back in the day we couldn’t pivot to the hobbit names Sam and Rosy… though it was discussed. It was Brian who had the flash of inspiration, and all of us collectively cried, “Yep!!! That’s absolutely it!”

So!!! Meet Tumtum and Nutmeg. We love them already so very much, and this is yet another answered prayer after the Big Loss of PNG for Willa (namely: Meggie the dog). We’re feeling oh-so-settled in this new land and though all hasn’t been easy, it has been good.