Maungati Mouse

Magnus and the
Maungati Mouse

A Series for Children written and narrated by Jan Hill. Illustrated by Richard Gunther, the well-loved illustrator of over 300 books.

Owen Marshall at the launch of Magnus and Maungati’s Christmas said:

“What are the qualities that make Jan’s book successful? There’s the word play, the sentiment … the use of rhyme, but most of all there are humour and good will which are typical of Jan’s own nature. The other essential and successful aspect of course is the illustrations provided by Richard Gunther. I’m no art critic but I find them delightful…”

Magnus and the Maungati Mouse, the first book in the series, was published in May 2005. It has been hugely popular amongst children of all ages, parents, and grandparents. The initial run of 1000 soon sold out and was reprinted in December 2005. Designed to be read aloud to children aged between 4 and 8, the book has some challenging vocabulary.

Published

May 2005

Magnus and the
Maungati Mouse

When the mice move in, a cat has to act! Magnus challenges Maungati to a battle, with surprising results…

Click below to hear Jan read the story. Children with the book will be able to look at the pictures and follow the words while listening.

Published

December 2005

Magnus and Maungati’s Christmas

When Magnus the cat boasts about Christmas, the mice can’t bear it! They end their holiday and go back to see what all the fuss is about. But then Mak, the littlest mouse, goes missing….

Click below to hear Jan read the story. Children with the book will be able to look at the pictures and follow the words while listening.

Published

September 2006

Magnus and the Motorbike

When Magnus the cat goes out for a ride on his Harley, he doesn’t notice a mouse hiding behind him. But Maungati’s life is in danger in more ways than one…

Click below to hear Jan read the story. Children with the book will be able to look at the pictures and follow the words while listening.

Or you can hear Magnus roar off on his motorbike below.

Published

November 2011

Maungati Mouse and
the EQ Rescue

When the 6.3 magnitude earthquake hits Christchurch, Maungati mouse is worried about his friends and relations. He decides to form a Mouse Army and go to help out. What happens when they reach Christchurch? Who do they find trapped in the rubble? And who is the mysterious pigeon who follows them home?

Click below to hear Jan read the story. Children with the book will be able to look at the pictures and follow the words while listening.

Published

June 2022

Maungati Mouse
and the Big Snow

Some of you, if you are old enough, will remember the big snow of 2006.

In this next picture, very astute readers will notice the power has not yet gone out. Or is there a generator working? Or are there candles? Richard, the artist, wanted a nice bright picture!

Published

June 2022

Maungati’s Cousin, the Mouse from Carew

On a visit to Carew Peel Forest School, my readers asked for a snow story and gave me lots of ideas. As a thank you, I wrote the Class 2 of 2005 their very own story about a mouse called Carew, using every single one of their names. It took till 2022 to get into print although the class acted it out for the parents at their end of year break up with each one calling out their own names as they appeared in the story.

I love the letters I get from the friends of Magnus and Maungati. If you can’t read these, this is what Class 2 at Carew said about Magnus and Maungati’s Christmas:

Dear Jan Hill

Thank you for coming. I liked it because some of the words were cool and I hope you didn’t shake your legs. From Holly.

Dear Jan Hill

I enjoyed your book. I enjoyed the part where one of the rats was sleeping in the baby cot. It was funny! From Scott

To Jan Hill

I enjoyed the Christmas book about Magnus and Maungati Mouse. I think that the bit when Magnus gets squashed by the tree and gets annoyed is the best. From Helena.

Dear Jan Hill

Thank you for reading your book to us. I loved it so much because it has long words and I like long words. From Lydia.

To Jan Hill

How has your weekend been? Thank you for reading us Magnus the Maungati Mouse. I liked it. I hope you come again to read to us. From Jessica.

Dear Jan Hill

I like your story very much. Thank you. I like the whole thing. Lots of love Rashan Climo

Magnus and Maungati’s Christmas

$10.00 $̶1̶5̶.0̶0̶

Magnus and the Maungati Mouse

$15.00

Magnus and the Motorbike

$15.00

Maungati Mouse and the Big Snow & Maungati’s Cousin, the mouse from Carew

$15.00

Maungati Mouse and the EQ Rescue

$15.00

Maungati Mouse Puzzels – Limited Edition

$25.00

Tom Pepper’s Dog

$25.00

Maungati Mouse – 4 Pacls

$45.00 $̶6̶0̶.0̶0̶

Purchase Enquiry Here

About the Author

Jan Hill understands cats and their weaknesses and her stories set in rural Maungati, South Canterbury, expose them with delightful humour, picked up in Richard Gunther’s hilarious drawings.

She lives near Geraldine with her husband, a dog, chickens, and four goats. Field mice really did invade her home, so some of the story is true. Sadly she lost her too adventurous cat after the first book was published.

See more at Pleasant Valley Publishing