Product Description

"The Mousehole Cat" was the winner of the British Book Award for the Illustrated Children's Book of the Year and the British Design Production Award (Children's Books). It was also shortlisted for the Smarties Prize, the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Children's Book Award.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #120025 in Books
• Published on: 1990-08-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 40 pages

Review
In an engaging story inspired by a Cornish legend, cats think of themselves as masters in their homes in the seaside village of Mousehole. But when the "Great Storm-Cat" that lurks outside the little harbor lays siege, food grows scarce. Since old fisherman Tom has no immediate family, he and his cat Mowzer choose themselves to venture into the treacherous sea to catch fish, which they are able to do after Mowzer calms the Storm-Cat by singing and purring. In precise, lovingly detailed paintings, Bayley renders the charming village, the glistening catch, and - especially - a sinuous blue-green Storm-Cat, a splendid creature of wind and misty moonlight. The conclusion, with the whole village eagerly awaiting Tom and then cooking up a Christmas feast of Cornish dishes such as star-gazy pie and soused scad, is a perfect conclusion to this heartwarming, beautifully designed book. (Kirkus Reviews)

Customer Reviews

Totally charming
This is an essential present for cat-loving young children prior to a trip to the far west of Cornwall. A totally charming and heartwarming book. Beautiful illustrations.
We bought the DVD as well which was enjoyable to find out more about the background to the book and the illustrations.

For art and cat lovers of all ages
This book came out too late for me to read it to my children. Oh well, I suppose that's what grandchildren are for. Actually, I just like reading it to myself, and feasting my eyes on all of those marvellous illustrations. I love the intense colours and the portrayal of movement, especially in the storm pictures with all of those sensuous curves. The cat Mowzer and her man Tom are depicted with great warmth and humouor. The story on its own (I won't tell you the plot) would be moving enough, but its coupling with such delicious artwork makes this book near purrfect.

Beautiful story , beautiful illustrations
This is a heartwarming story about a brave cat Mowzer and her pet human Tom. There are touches of humour, sadness and magic throughout and lots of references to delicious fish dishes. The story is based on an old Cornish legend and centres on a real fishing village called Mousehole or 'Mowzel'. (Which now I'd like to visit and when I get there to eat star-gazy pies.)

Mowzer and Tom live a very cosy life until a great storm brews up. This stops the fishing boats going out to sea and after several days everyone is very hungry. Mowzer and Tom set off to sea. Their tiny boat is tossed about like a toy that a giant storm cat is teasing and playing with. Will they make it safely home....?

At first I found the story a little wordy but within a couple of pages I was hooked. I found myself totally engrossed in the poetic language and the detailed illustrations. I could even hear a Cornish accent in my head when old Tom spoke to Mowzer. By the end of the story I found it difficult to see the text as my eyes had filled up with tears. I'm so glad I was reading it inside my head and in the privacy of my own home. I would not have been able to read it out loud without my voice cracking (so be warned all you similarly soft hearted people).

The story is beautifully illustrated with rich colours and great detail. I will enjoy looking at the pictures with my young grand daughter and will have to practice the reading out loud bit so I don't spoil it by choking up!

I am about to buy two more copies, one for an adult friend and the other for my godson. Both of them really like cats and I am sure they will love this story. I think it would also appeal to anyone with an interest in fishermen or boats.

I would love to see the original art work that illustrates the story.
I hope the author and illustrator occassionally look at these reviews just to see how much their work has been appreciated.