'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Tuesday 16 March 2010

Review: Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats


Title: Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats

Author: T.S. Eliot

Illustrator: Axel Scheffler

Publisher: Faber (Allen & Unwin), A$27.99RRP

Format: Hardcover with dustjacket

Language: English

ISBN: 9780571240616

For ages: 6-18

Type: Poetry

About: So lovely when a classic is dusted off and brought out into the bright and shiny future to enchant our own children. For those too little to remember, T.S. Eliot is a world-renowned poet and playwright whose collection of light verse has been engagingly captured in this gorgeous hardcover book.

Resplendent with all manner of classic, quirky and funny poems, children with a love of animals will absollutely delight in this book, and parents will adore immersing themselves in the lilt of Eliot at his best.

Illustrations by Axel Scheffler (children may recognise his work from Julia Donaldson’s books, among others) bring fun and whimsical visuals to this set of glorious poems, first published in 1939.

From the naming of cats (did you know a cat must be given three names?) through to pirate cats, theatre cats, mystery cats and a sordid pair named Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer, these rollicking rhymes and character-filled pictures will enamor cat-lovers of all ages. And yes, dogs make an appearance or two.

Lovely.

Author website
Illustrator website

This book is available online