The Cat, The Owl and the Fresh Fish

During Gray Cat’s daily trek to the fishing pond, a wily owl is sitting nearby with its leg stuck under a log. Gray Cat spies a enticing basket full of fresh fish on a boat but is afraid to swim to it. The owl offers to help, directing the cat toward the fish using various climbing implements, such as a rock and a bucket. The owl tricks the cat into lifting the log off its leg and is finally free to snatch the fish from under the outraged cat’s nose.

The text is lyrical and elegant, with repetitive elements that will appeal to small children. It reads in the style of a fable but is fresh and new. Visually, the type is a handwriting script which adds to its old-fashioned quality; however, it can be difficult to decipher some words, especially those containing a “b” or a “w”. The illustrations are visually stunning, capturing the bright colours of a woodland forest complete with red mushrooms and crisp blue water reflecting wispy clouds. The cat’s determined facial expression – and, finally, its look of defeat and fury when the owl steals the fish – will be especially amusing to young readers. A foldout of the owl resplendent with its spread-out wings adds enormously to this book’s appeal. It is incredibly reminiscent of the traditional Golden Books featuring animal characters and will be a wonderful addition to any children’s collection.