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The Christmas Cat
It is Christmas Eve. An abandoned gray cat shivers alone in the cold, snowy forest. In a nearby farmhouse, a young boy worries that Santa Claus might not be able to come in such bad weather. But soon the bitter wind stops howling, and the sound of sleigh bells rings clearly through the woods. Neither the cat nor the boys know it, but a small Christmas miracle is about to occur. Beloved illustrator Tasha Tudor's classic style gives this holiday tale a timeless appeal.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
3 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 15, 2021
Beautiful illustrations and lovely story. Animals in the snow, children in a woodland cottage preparing for Christmas, a lost cat needing a home, all the ingredients for a perfect Christmas read.
Tasha Tudor's illustrations are wonderful, perfect for wintery scenes of wildlife and cosy indoor scenes of family life. I loved the simplicity of this story, the joy received from helping wild animals outdoors and helping domesticated animals in need of a home find somewhere warn and loving to stay. This is the perfect, subtle story of getting instantly repaid for kindness and how animals in winter need our help.
Beautiful Christmas book for young animal lovers.
Tasha Tudor's illustrations are wonderful, perfect for wintery scenes of wildlife and cosy indoor scenes of family life. I loved the simplicity of this story, the joy received from helping wild animals outdoors and helping domesticated animals in need of a home find somewhere warn and loving to stay. This is the perfect, subtle story of getting instantly repaid for kindness and how animals in winter need our help.
Beautiful Christmas book for young animal lovers.
December 31, 2014
Lumberjack Santa saves housecat from woods, delivers presents despite heavy snow.
November 19, 2019
A little abandoned cat receives a very special gift at Christmas. This heartwarming story is a great book to read aloud with young children!
December 22, 2020
An abandoned house cat faces certain doom in an inhospitable winter landscape until a kinda-sexy Father Christmas-type character arrives on a sledge to feed the forest critters, and rescue stray felines.
It's a happy Christmas morning for all when two small boys discover that one of their presents can purr.
It's a happy Christmas morning for all when two small boys discover that one of their presents can purr.
November 28, 2018
A little gray cat, abandoned by his people some time before, struggles through the snow-blanketed forest one icy Christmas Eve, searching for a warm, dry place to rest. Nearby, in a farmhouse on the edge of the forest, two young brothers make cookies for their Christmas tree, and worry that Santa Claus will be unable to make it through the stormy weather. Come he does, however, visiting the forest animals first, and, finding the little cat, decides that the two brothers will have a very special gift this year...
A heartwarming tale, one guaranteed to appeal to young animal lovers, who will appreciate the happy (and not altogether unexpected) ending, The Christmas Cat was written by Efner Tudor Holmes, the daughter of acclaimed children's artist Tasha Tudor, who is the illustrator here. I thought her depiction of Santa Claus, seen here as a young, blond-haired and bearded man, was quite interesting. Altogether, a sweet little holiday tale, one I would recommend to young cat lovers, and to fans of Tasha Tudor.
A heartwarming tale, one guaranteed to appeal to young animal lovers, who will appreciate the happy (and not altogether unexpected) ending, The Christmas Cat was written by Efner Tudor Holmes, the daughter of acclaimed children's artist Tasha Tudor, who is the illustrator here. I thought her depiction of Santa Claus, seen here as a young, blond-haired and bearded man, was quite interesting. Altogether, a sweet little holiday tale, one I would recommend to young cat lovers, and to fans of Tasha Tudor.
November 29, 2011
Probably my favorite Christmas book ever.
January 1, 2011
I grew up with Tasha Tudor's books and anything she's connected to I love for the charm, beautiful art work and whimsy. Her daughter wrote this one and then Tasha illustrated it. It's a sweet and wonderful story for anyone who loves cats as much as I do and wants to sit by the fire with a cup of tea and dream.
December 27, 2021
This isn't about snowmen or a red-suited Santa Claus story or toys or the birth of Jesus, but it captures the essence of the Christmas holiday. A gentle story about good people.
And, of course, TT's illustrations add another dimension to the story.
And, of course, TT's illustrations add another dimension to the story.
May 21, 2008
Despite its predictability this remains a comforting, cozy story delicately illustrated by the talented Tasha Tudor.
December 12, 2016
A sweet, old-fashioned story about the peace of Christmas and a cat who finds a new home and a new family for Christmas.
November 28, 2025
On Christmas Eve, an abandoned gray cat shivers alone in the snow. Nearby, in a farmhouse, two young boys prepare for Christmas by setting up their nativity and making animal cookies. There's a bit of worry that Santa Claus might not be able to come through the snowstorm. Neither the cat nor the boys knows it, but a special Christmas gift is about to occur for them all. This book is a family favorite in our home and we read it multiple times during the Christmas season. This heartwarming story brings tears to my eyes - in the best way - every time I read it. 🥹 A beautiful living book, complete with Christmas recipes at the end.
September 10, 2021
I loved the illustrations as I knew I would, but the story itself seemed to be lacking.
Besides having only Mary and the Baby in the crèche and reading "The Night before Christmas" instead of the Christmas Story, the ending had rather an abrupt feeling and like I was missing something of the story. There is a question about if Santa Claus can make it in the storm.
Overall, I liked it but think it could have had a better story.
Besides having only Mary and the Baby in the crèche and reading "The Night before Christmas" instead of the Christmas Story, the ending had rather an abrupt feeling and like I was missing something of the story. There is a question about if Santa Claus can make it in the storm.
Overall, I liked it but think it could have had a better story.
August 11, 2025
A lovely little story about a sad Cat, that gets left behind by its previous owners. The story does end a bit abruptly but it's worth a read and I will keep it in my library.
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March 24, 2015From "Essential Reading: Seasons" by Literary Mama staff:
When I think of seasons, I think instantly of Tasha Tudor, who rendered them so beautifully in her books—and who, during my sodden Northwest childhood, gave me an idea of what summer and winter could be like for people who didn't live on the edge of a temperate rain forest. Now that I live in New England, it has been a special pleasure to revisit Tudor's oeuvre with my boys as we go Around the Year. For our family, it's not summer without Corgiville Fair, and it's not Halloween without Pumpkin Moonshine. Then there's A Tale for Easter and The Christmas Cat. My favorite, however, has always been A Time to Keep, a brief yet magical journey through the months of a long-ago child's year. Tudor's characteristic illustrations are soft but rich with detail, and there's an irresistible charm about the somewhat fanciful old world that she depicts, where everything is homemade and every celebration is a work of art.
Literary Mama's full Essential Reading post can be found here: http://www.literarymama.com/litreflec...
When I think of seasons, I think instantly of Tasha Tudor, who rendered them so beautifully in her books—and who, during my sodden Northwest childhood, gave me an idea of what summer and winter could be like for people who didn't live on the edge of a temperate rain forest. Now that I live in New England, it has been a special pleasure to revisit Tudor's oeuvre with my boys as we go Around the Year. For our family, it's not summer without Corgiville Fair, and it's not Halloween without Pumpkin Moonshine. Then there's A Tale for Easter and The Christmas Cat. My favorite, however, has always been A Time to Keep, a brief yet magical journey through the months of a long-ago child's year. Tudor's characteristic illustrations are soft but rich with detail, and there's an irresistible charm about the somewhat fanciful old world that she depicts, where everything is homemade and every celebration is a work of art.
Literary Mama's full Essential Reading post can be found here: http://www.literarymama.com/litreflec...
December 17, 2014
Dear The Christmas Cat,
It's not you. It's me.
Please know that I've kept in mind that this book is recommended for ages 4-8. The problem is that it's hard for a children's classic to become a children's classic to someone when they read it as an adult.
Your illustrations were beautiful (beautiful but dated - I understand you are from 1976). I really wanted to get the warm and fuzzies from you (the word CAT is in your title for cripe's sake- you know how I feel about CATS), but it felt forced. There was no spark. I needed more cat.
Sincerely,
Little Natalie Smith Robinson Jones
It's not you. It's me.
Please know that I've kept in mind that this book is recommended for ages 4-8. The problem is that it's hard for a children's classic to become a children's classic to someone when they read it as an adult.
Your illustrations were beautiful (beautiful but dated - I understand you are from 1976). I really wanted to get the warm and fuzzies from you (the word CAT is in your title for cripe's sake- you know how I feel about CATS), but it felt forced. There was no spark. I needed more cat.
Sincerely,
Little Natalie Smith Robinson Jones
December 4, 2024
2023. 24 picture books before Christmas. A very short, very sweet story about a cat without a home on Christmas Eve. Efner writes very much in the same vein as her mother. Lovely illustrations.
2024 Christmas picture book favorites.
2024 Christmas picture book favorites.
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February 10, 2008This was one of the first books I ever had. It's a sweet story, but it began my love of books, and stories, and illustration.
April 24, 2008
We just love this book. I really like how Santa is portrayed and illustrated in this book.
December 20, 2008
Typically lovely Tasha Tudor watercolor illustrations and a charming story.
December 8, 2009
A long time favorite of mine
July 27, 2011
Sweetly illustrated. More text than you might think from the size of the book, so consider the age of the audience!
November 16, 2012
Notes:
lost cat discovered in woods and delivered to a family
sweet pictures and story
lost cat discovered in woods and delivered to a family
sweet pictures and story
October 15, 2013
Sad for a kids book, but it was written 30 years ago. They shield kids from life's truths now
January 19, 2014
Wonderful illustrations add to the magic of this story. A quaint story to read during the holidays.
December 20, 2016
gorgeous paintings of woodland animals, and a cat, on Christmas eve. sweet & heartwarming story.
January 7, 2017
Cute Christmas story by the daughter of Tasha Tudor. And, even better are the illustrations by Tasha Tudor herself!
November 17, 2017
In the tradition of Tasha Tudor. Recommended
December 13, 2017
A sweet Christmas story with charming illustrations. Tasha Tudor is so dear.
December 28, 2017
Again, I love to read children's books at the holidays...mostly Christmas. Lovely sacred story for children of all ages.
February 9, 2018
Rounded up. "But some unexpected - and wonderful - things can happen"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews