Order
Please read this message carefully.
Special note. Because this novel is not an ordinary novel. The characters are mice. People are made into mice. Or mice are made into people. Therefore, from the perspective of mice, people are called “ghosts” because they kill and eat other people's flesh, and “complainers” because they complain when they work. From the perspective of humans, we laugh at the way mice think and act.
According to the idea of these rats, the moon is indeed a big block of cheese. It starts to appear on the new moon day and gradually grows until it is full around the middle of the month. When the moon is full, other worlds come and take it away. So when the moon is gone, it is gone...
Therefore, the German scientist, Monchen, showed his two students the crescent moon on the 8th night of the waning moon and told them...
“Can’t you see, there are people ahead of us there. I’ve been watching every night. You guys are slowly taking away the moon. Now, you see, there’s only half left. But don’t worry. When this moon ends, another one will form. There’s one thing. If there’s no more new ones to form, you guys will starve. So, while you have time, work hard, and you need to get there before the moon we see now is gone. Even the Americans and the Russians have been able to go to the moon, so I guess you’re the first rat. I’m ashamed, but you guys have to be the first of the rat race.”
A mouse named Mr. Day suddenly loses his adoptive father Mr. Pat's cheese shop due to his own misfortune, so he and his friend Harry, the shrew, travel to the moon in Duke Monchan's rocket to get more cheese to buy back. xxx
This novel is about animals that talk and act like humans, and it should be read like an animated film. It is full of strange, strange, and shocking things. This kind of novel has never been seen in Burmese literature. The original author (Michael Bond) said that he would write this book for children. Therefore, pictures have been included to keep children interested.
Don't think that adults will say, "I don't think it's for children," because it's for them. You have to make it enjoyable for adults. After all, it has to reach children through adults. If parents like it, wouldn't they let their children read it?
For example, didn't Sayar Min Thuwan's poems for children start flowing from the lips of adults, parents, and teachers with the words "Waso Wa Khaung Ye Taew Kyi Ro"?
Of course, writing for children is not easier than writing for adults to read and enjoy. I'm not very good at writing. That's why I translate. For children, it has to be interesting, fun, and instill good habits in them.
Now, this novel focuses on unity, harmony, courage, risk-taking, loving each other, tolerance, forgiveness, and helping.
I am translating and publishing this book for my grandchildren who are just starting to read, especially for these children who cannot write on their own. I would like to thank my sister-in-law, Khin Thay Yi, for sending me this book (Here Comes Thursday By Michael Bond).
Thawtar Swe
17-8-74
