The Borrowers is a children’s fantasy novel written by English author Mary Norton and published in 1952. It is also the first book of the four in the series The Borrowers. This story revolves around the lives of Arietty and her family of tiny people who sustain themselves by secretly ‘borrowing’ from the ‘human beans’.

The novel begins with the mention of size, an important theme throughout the story. What are some of the restraints or advantages the borrowers have because of their size? What impact does size have on the perspective of borrowers, human adults and human children? What role does size play in this relationship that they share?

What is the purpose of using frame narrative in this story? How would the story be different if Arietty or the boy narrated it instead? What is Kate’s role in this story? What clues does she pick up near the end of the story, and what effects can it have on this book as well as its sequels?

In your opinion, were the borrowers borrowing or stealing? How is your understanding of the term ‘borrow’ similar to or different from the way Arietty, the boy and Mrs. Driver define it?

It is said that borrowers spotted by humans are never heard of again. Homily always warned Arietty by saying ‘look what happened to Eggletina’, but she never explained what exactly happened to her. What do you think was Eggletina’s fate? Why do you think Arietty trusts the boy enough to put her family’s safety at stake? How would you describe this unique relationship that they share, and what do you think made such a bond possible?