The Borrowers

Where it came from

The Borrowers was written by Mary Norton and first published in 1952. It tells the story of a tiny family — the Clocks — who live in secret under the floors and behind the walls of an old English house. These miniature people survive by “borrowing” useful items from the humans they live alongside — things like buttons, pins and scraps — all without being seen by the “human beans”! The imaginative idea grew from Norton’s fascination with tiny everyday worlds, turned into a warm and witty adventure that has captivated readers for decades. 

Where it went next

Upon release, The Borrowers became an instant classic and won the Carnegie Medal in 1952 for outstanding children’s literature. 

Associated stories

The story  launched a beloved series of sequels — including The Borrowers Afield (1955), The Borrowers Afloat (1959), The Borrowers Aloft (1961) and The Borrowers Avenged (1982) — following the Clocks’ further adventures as they face new challenges beyond their old house. The stories have also inspired TV adaptations (including a 1992 BBC series) and inspired film versions including the Studio Ghibli anime Arrietty (2010).