35 Facts About The Borrowers

The Borrowers: A World of Tiny Adventures

"The Borrowers" is a beloved children's book series written by Mary Norton. It tells the story of tiny people who live secretly in the homes of regular-sized humans, borrowing items to survive. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this enchanting series.

Origins of The Borrowers

Understanding the roots of this series gives us a glimpse into its creation and inspiration.

1. 01Mary Norton wrote the first book in the series, "The Borrowers," in 1952.
2. 02The idea for the story came from Norton's childhood imagination of tiny people living under the floorboards.
3. 03The Borrowers won the prestigious Carnegie Medal in 1952, recognizing it as an outstanding children's book.
4. 04The series consists of five books, with the last one, "The Borrowers Avenged," published in 1982.
5. 05The Borrowers has been translated into multiple languages, making it accessible to children worldwide.

The Borrowers' World

The tiny world of the Borrowers is filled with creativity and resourcefulness.

6. 06Borrowers are tiny people, about the size of a pencil.
7. 07They live secretly in human homes, borrowing items to survive.
8. 08Borrowers use everyday objects in inventive ways, like thimbles for buckets and matchboxes for beds.
9. 09Their homes are hidden in walls, under floors, or behind furniture.
10. 10Borrowers have their own culture and traditions, passed down through generations.

Main Characters

The series features a cast of memorable characters, each with unique traits and personalities.

11. 11Arrietty Clock is the adventurous young Borrower who longs to explore the world beyond her home.
12. 12Pod Clock, Arrietty's father, is a skilled Borrower who teaches her the ways of their kind.
13. 13Homily Clock, Arrietty's mother, is cautious and protective, always worried about the dangers of the human world.
14. 14Spiller is a wild Borrower who lives in the outdoors and helps the Clock family.
15. 15The Boy, a human child, befriends Arrietty and helps the Borrowers in their adventures.

Adaptations and Influence

"The Borrowers" has inspired various adaptations and left a lasting impact on popular culture.

16. 16The first film adaptation was released in 1973, a made-for-TV movie.
17. 17A popular 1997 film starred John Goodman and Jim Broadbent, bringing the Borrowers to life on the big screen.
18. 18Studio Ghibli created an animated film adaptation, "The Secret World of Arrietty," in 2010.
19. 19The Borrowers has been adapted into several stage plays and radio dramas.
20. 20The series has influenced other works of fiction, inspiring stories about tiny people and hidden worlds.

Themes and Messages

The Borrowers series explores various themes that resonate with readers of all ages.

21. 21Resourcefulness is a key theme, as Borrowers must cleverly use what they find to survive.
22. 22Courage is highlighted through Arrietty's adventures and her desire to explore the unknown.
23. 23Family bonds are central to the story, showcasing the importance of love and support.
24. 24Friendship between Borrowers and humans demonstrates the value of understanding and cooperation.
25. 25Survival in a world much larger than themselves teaches resilience and adaptability.

Fun Facts

Here are some additional tidbits that make "The Borrowers" even more intriguing.

26. 26Mary Norton was inspired by her own childhood home, which had many nooks and crannies perfect for tiny people.
27. 27The Borrowers has been included in many "best children's books" lists over the years.
28. 28The series has a dedicated fan base, with readers of all ages enjoying the stories.
29. 29Borrowers have their own unique language and terms for everyday objects.
30. 30The Borrowers has been referenced in various TV shows, movies, and books.

Legacy of The Borrowers

The impact of "The Borrowers" continues to be felt in literature and beyond.

31. 31Mary Norton received the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1970 for her contributions to children's literature.
32. 32The Borrowers has inspired numerous fan theories and discussions about the hidden world of tiny people.
33. 33The series has been used in educational settings to teach creativity, problem-solving, and empathy.
34. 34The Borrowers has sparked interest in miniatures and dollhouse collecting.
35. 35The enduring popularity of the series ensures that new generations will continue to enjoy the adventures of Arrietty and her family.

The Borrowers' Legacy

The Borrowers has left a lasting impact on readers of all ages. Its themes of adventure, resourcefulness, and family resonate deeply. Arrietty and her family's tiny world, filled with everyday objects repurposed in clever ways, sparks imagination and creativity. The Borrowers reminds us that even the smallest individuals can have grand adventures and make a big difference. Whether you've read the books, watched the movies, or both, the charm of The Borrowers continues to captivate. Their story encourages us to look at the world from a different perspective, appreciating the little things and finding joy in unexpected places. So next time you see a missing button or a misplaced spool of thread, think of The Borrowers and their tiny, adventurous lives. Their legacy lives on, inspiring new generations to dream big, no matter their size.