When the Cat's Away... Trivia Quiz

Answer: Literature

Reepicheep, a noble and fearless talking mouse, was introduced in "Prince Caspian," part of C.S. Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia" series, in 1951. He later plays a major role in "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" (1952), where his quest for honour and discovery leads him to the edge of the known world. His character is admired for his loyalty and courage despite his small stature.

In other media, Reepicheep has been portrayed by Warwick Davis (BBC live action adaptations) and voiced by Sylvester McCoy (Focus on the Family Radio Theatre series), as well as by Eddie Izzard and Simon Pegg (Walden Media films).

Answer: Literature

Miss Bianca, a refined and intelligent mouse, was introduced in "The Rescuers" in 1959 by British author Margery Sharp, and appeared in all nine books in the series. She becomes involved in daring missions to help those in need, often alongside her companion Bernard.

The character's elegance and bravery helped inspire the Disney animated film adaptations produced decades later (in 1977 and 1990).

Answer: Literature

Ralph S. Mouse first appeared in "The Mouse and the Motorcycle," published in 1965 by Beverly Cleary. Ralph is a young mouse with a love for adventure and a special connection to a toy motorcycle, which he learns to ride. His story continued in two sequels - "Runaway Ralph" (1970) and "Ralph S. Mouse" (1982) - where he explores themes of independence and friendship.

"The Mouse and the Motorcycle" was later adapted for an ABC TV special in 1986 using stop motion animation.

Answer: Literature

Geronimo Stilton, a mouse who works as a newspaper editor and often finds himself in wild adventures, first appeared in Italian children's literature in 1997. Created by Elisabetta Dami, the series gained international popularity and was later translated into English, with U.S. editions beginning in 2004. The books are known for their colorful layouts and humorous storytelling.

Answer: Literature

Despereaux Tilling made his debut in "The Tale of Despereaux," a children's novel released in 2003. Written by Kate DiCamillo, the story follows a small mouse with oversized ears and a courageous heart who embarks on a quest to save a human princess. The book blends fairy tale elements with themes of bravery and forgiveness.

Answer: Animation

Mickey Mouse made his animation debut in "Steamboat Willie" in 1928 and quickly became the face of the Walt Disney Company. Initially portrayed as a mischievous and adventurous character, Mickey evolved into a symbol of friendliness and optimism. His classic design - featuring red shorts, yellow shoes, and white gloves - has remained largely unchanged over the decades. Mickey has appeared in countless cartoons, films, and television series, becoming one of the most iconic and enduring characters in animation history.

Answer: Animation

Speedy Gonzales officially appeared in 1955 in a Warner Bros. cartoon bearing his name, although a prototype version was introduced two years earlier. Known for his lightning-fast speed and clever antics, Speedy often outsmarts larger adversaries, especially Sylvester the Cat. Dressed in a sombrero and traditional Mexican attire, Speedy became a popular character, particularly among Latin American audiences.

While his portrayal has sparked discussions about cultural representation, he remains a beloved figure in classic animation.

Answer: Animation

Danger Mouse first appeared on British television in 1981 as a parody of spy fiction. Operating from a secret base beneath a London mailbox, he takes on global threats with a mix of bravery and dry wit. Accompanied by his timid sidekick Penfold, Danger Mouse's adventures blend action and comedy, often poking fun at spy tropes.

The original series was a hit in the UK and beyond, and the character was revived in a modern animated reboot in 2015, introducing him to a new generation of viewers.

Answer: Animation

Fievel Mousekewitz was introduced in the 1986 animated film "An American Tail." He is a young immigrant mouse who becomes separated from his family while traveling to America. His story reflects themes of perseverance, hope, and the search for belonging. Fievel's journey is filled with challenges, but his courage and optimism help him overcome adversity.

The character went on to star in sequels and a television series, becoming a symbol of resilience and youthful determination.

Answer: Animation

The Brain first appeared in 1993 as part of the "Animaniacs" series before starring in his own show, "Pinky and the Brain," which debuted in 1995. A genetically enhanced lab mouse with a massive intellect, The Brain is obsessed with taking over the world.

His plans are often elaborate and doomed to fail, largely due to the antics of his dim-witted but loyal companion, Pinky. Despite his ambition and seriousness, The Brain occasionally reveals a softer side, making him a complex and memorable character in animated comedy.