The Quayside Cat

Gr 1–4—An old-fashioned story about a cat's nostalgia for his heady days at sea. Old Tregarn remembers chasing "rats big as chickens" and fighting with pirates. Jim, the feline who listens to him, is so motivated by his experiences that he convinces his friend to go back aboard. The two cats experience the rocking of the ship, the "waves as big as hills," and the thrill of the open sea. Even when a storm blusters, the animals stay strong. Cat lovers and boat enthusiasts may be drawn to this expertly illustrated book, but most readers will find the story line choppy and confusing. The author does not build suspense in an effective way or create a satisfying release of tension. For example, a violent storm shakes the boat, and one page later, before readers even have time to fear for the cats' well-being, the storm is over. The quick shift from danger to safety leaves children feeling cheated and a little puzzled. Readers are told that the boat has been severed (offstage), which doesn't raise much alarm, either, and the cats are offered safe passage. The author skips most opportunities for onstage drama in a tale that is supposedly an adventure. Many young people will be put off by the slow pace, lengthy text, and dated-sounding ship-speak ("Hark to that rattle. That's the anchor, lad.") The illustrations are dramatic, powerful, and skillful but muddy in color. The vintage style makes this book appear to be a century old, although lacking the charms of classic literature.—Jess deCourcy Hinds, Bard High School Early College, Queens, NY