We love a bit of nonsense and frankly, a royal singing mouse called Malcolm is about as nonsensical as it gets!
Although this is a rip-roaring rhyme, The Original Poet was actually inspired by one of her favourite books, ‘A Prayer for Owen Meany’ by the brilliant John Irving. The protagonist, Owen Meany, has a very strange and cracked voice, which in some publications is even printed in red. Mouse Malcolm’s voice is similarly odd, but of course serves him well in the end!
This poem print would look great in a nursery or child’s bedroom and is one to be read and re-read. It would also make the perfect birthday gift for any child who loves rhymes, mice, singing competitions or silliness!
Product details
Print only
Paper size A4 - 21 x 29.7 cm or A3 - 29.7 x 42 cm
All our poems are printed on the highest quality archival papers from heritage paper merchant GF Smith.
The fine-grain smooth art paper is 240gsm and has been selected specifically for our printing and foiling, to ensure a beautiful finish.
Each print is hand-embossed with The Original Poet's initialled branding.
Framed print
A4 outside frame size - 24.2 x 30.3 cm with depth of 3.7 cm
A3 outside frame size - 32.5 x 45 cm with depth of 3.7 cm
Our frames are handmade in Brighton by a highly skilled framer specialising in hand-finishing. We've chosen a simple hand-painted white wooden frame to complement our poem prints.
The frame has been designed with a recess, which means there is a space between the the print and the glazing. This creates a professional gallery-style finish, not found in high street frames.
The frame is made from sustainably sourced pine and is glazed with picture grade acrylic.
Shipping
Print only shipping cost - £3.95
A4 unframed prints are presented with a backing board, wrapped in a cellophane bag, then shipped in a sturdy cardboard envelope.
A3 unframed prints are shipped in a strong postal tube.
Framed print shipping cost - £6.95
Framed prints are shipped in a purpose-designed box to ensure that your order reaches you safely.
If ordering a print(s) and frame(s) together, only 1x shipping charge of £6.95 will be applied to your order.
Poem Wording
Mouse Malcolm the fourth
(though small, yes of course)
was brave, he was bold, he was strong.
Where his squeak should have been,
a loud voice would scream,
in mouse-terms, the sound was all wrong.
Whenever he’d speak, with his almighty squeak,
the walls of the palace would shake,
it was such a mystery
and would be through history,
how loud a sound Malcolm could make.
So it was decided,
a voice so lopsided,
could bring to the kingdom some fame,
by singing a song
(with his voice that was wrong)
‘celebrity’ this mouse could claim.
Queen Mavis his wife (the love of his life)
persuaded her hubby to go
to ‘meeces got talent’
for it was apparent,
his strange voice might just win the show.
so Malcolm the fourth
(though tiny of course!)
a shrieking song he would begin,
surprising the judges,
whose open-mouthed nudges
would prompt them to say he should win.
in the end Malcolm’s squeaking
and speaking and shrieking,
in a voice that was terribly loud,
to the kingdom brought fame,
which was part of the aim,
and of Malcolm, they felt very proud!
