The Mousehole Cat

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2007-07-31 rating:
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.

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review by: date: 2006-05-01 rating:
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.

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review by: susan date: 2004-11-24 rating:
A really beautiful book
My brother bought this book for my son on a trip to Cornwall. It is one of the most beautifully illustrated books that we own, but is also very beautifully written.

Even though my son is only two, and the story is a little long for him, we love reading it together. It is a heartwarming tale that can easily bring a tear to the reader's eye (maybe I'm jsut a softy).

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review by: date: 2002-04-27 rating:
Magical!
I first came across this book when I was in junior school. The Mousehole Cat had only just been published, and a group of classmates and I were asked to review it and other books for an award.

As a 10 year old, I remember thinking that this book was like a jewel. Every page was richly illustrated and the story was beautifully told. The fascinating details in both the text and the artwork captured my imagination - it was a masterpiece. Needless to say, the book won the Illustrated Book category by a mile.

After my first child was born, I found the perfect excuse to wallow in the children's sections of various bookstores. To my joy, I found a copy of The Mousehole Cat and bought it straight away, and was delighted to find that, even from an adult point of view, it was still a magical read.

Inspired by a Cornish legend, The Mousehole Cat is told more from a cat's perspective than that of a human, which is rather sweet if you're a cat lover...

Set in Mousehole (pronounced Mowzel), a real fishing village in Cornwall, this is a tale of the bravery of Mowzer (the Mousehole Cat) and her pet human, old Tom. One winter, there is a terrible storm at sea, caused by the Great Storm Cat. Although the fishing boats are safe behind the harbour wall, the fishermen cannot fish, and, because the fishermen cannot fish, there is no food. Old Tom cannot stand by and watch the children starve, and he decides he must go fishing in order to help the starving villagers. So, he and Mowzer venture out in old Tom's boat... Will they return heroes or perish at the paws of the Great Sea Cat?

The Mousehole Cat appeals to both adults and children alike. The pictures are fabulous. They range from full page illustrations to borders around the text, and their detail is fascinating. They really do bring both the story and Mousehole alive. The text is exceptional, littered with details which are designed to satisfy an inquisitive mind. The Sunday Times recommends it "for any age from five or so to very grown up", but there is a lot of text and the language can become quite complex in places. A couple of words might have you reaching for your dictionary in places, even if you are an adult! A five year old would not be capable of reading this book alone, although an older child would enjoy doing so. This book is ideal for reading to children, especially when a lot of time can be spent on reading it and enjoying the pictures.

Definitely a book to read to children, The Mousehole Cat is a must-have treasure which can be enjoyed again and again without losing any of its magic.


review by: date: 2001-10-29 rating:
So good that I've bought a copy for myself!
This is an exquisite children's book. The illustrations are so beautiful in themselves I would love one to frame for my wall. The story is also delightful and a good read for children and the young at heart!

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