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Kaspar: Prince of Cats
Discover the beautiful stories of Michael Morpurgo, author of Warhorse and the nation’s favourite storyteller
A heart-warming novel about Kaspar the Savoy cat, from the award-winning author of Born to Run and The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips
Kaspar the cat first came to the Savoy Hotel in a basket – Johnny Trott knows, because he was the one who carried him in. Johnny was a bell-boy, you see, and he carried all of Countess Kandinsky's things to her room.
But Johnny didn't expect to end up with Kaspar on his hands forever, and nor did he count on making friends with Lizziebeth, a spirited American heiress. Pretty soon, events are set in motion that will take Johnny – and Kaspar – all around the world, surviving theft, shipwreck and rooftop rescues along the way. Because everything changes with a cat like Kaspar around. After all, he's Prince Kaspar Kandinsky, Prince of Cats, a Muscovite, a Londoner and a New Yorker, and as far as anyone knows, the only cat to survive the sinking of the Titanic…
A heart-warming novel about Kaspar the Savoy cat, from the award-winning author of Born to Run and The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips
Kaspar the cat first came to the Savoy Hotel in a basket – Johnny Trott knows, because he was the one who carried him in. Johnny was a bell-boy, you see, and he carried all of Countess Kandinsky's things to her room.
But Johnny didn't expect to end up with Kaspar on his hands forever, and nor did he count on making friends with Lizziebeth, a spirited American heiress. Pretty soon, events are set in motion that will take Johnny – and Kaspar – all around the world, surviving theft, shipwreck and rooftop rescues along the way. Because everything changes with a cat like Kaspar around. After all, he's Prince Kaspar Kandinsky, Prince of Cats, a Muscovite, a Londoner and a New Yorker, and as far as anyone knows, the only cat to survive the sinking of the Titanic…
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Michael Morpurgo
663 books3,194 followersSir Michael Andrew Morpurgo, OBE, FRSL is the author of many books for children, five of which have been made into films. He also writes his own screenplays and libretti for opera. Born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in 1943, he was evacuated to Cumberland during the last years of the Second World War, then returned to London, moving later to Essex. After a brief and unsuccessful spell in the army, he took up teaching and started to write. He left teaching after ten years in order to set up 'Farms for City Children' with his wife. They have three farms in Devon, Wales and Gloucestershire, open to inner city school children who come to stay and work with the animals. In 1999 this work was publicly recognised when he and his wife were invested a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to youth. In 2003, he was advanced to an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) in 2004. He was knighted in the 2018 for his services to literature and charity. He is also a father and grandfather, so children have always played a large part in his life. Every year he and his family spend time in the Scilly Isles, the setting for three of his books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
October 4, 2025
This book was even more heartening to read than my earlier Michael Morpurgo read last week! He yet again easily gets 5 stars from me.
Since the novel was centred on the extraordinary life of a Moscow born and bred cat it immediately got me hooked onto the plot. This is in spite of the fact that I have many more pressing and pending books to read and review here on GR, especially for my college work. But I can never resist a read about a cat, especially a cat as black as Kaspar the animal protagonist of this MYP or Middle Years Programme novel.
Also, anything closely concerning the Titanic always does manage to catch my attention easily, so therefore I finished this book in a few days’ time itself. It is an exciting and yet such a humble story that instantly gives a person that feel-good feeling on reading it. Morpurgo has that talent in his crafting of his narration and plot; it just keeps making you smile with every turn of the page, and your day gets suddenly so much brighter than otherwise.
He also manages to teach the young middle grade or senior PYP reader a lot about the value of gratefulness and about being thankful for whatever we are given in this life – moments of happiness as well as sorrow. This aspect about Morpurgo’s novels makes me love his stuff even more day by day and page by page.
The book is suspenseful, full of delightful surprises, full of action, excitement and instant feel-good goodness that reminds me a lot of the writings of the nationally famous author Ruskin Bond. Ruskin Bond is India’s most beloved author, the writer from the hills, who lives in Landour, Mussoorie, and though an octogenarian, still writes and publishes several books annually through various leading big-time publications of India. He too manages to create that feel-good feeling through his books and happens to be my second favourite author of all time. However, I think Morpurgo may at this rate rob dear old Bond of that title in my life; we shall see!
Every moment spent reading this novel was memorable. I especially read the sinking of the Titanic portion in one single breathless sitting and hoped against all hope that Kaspar would survive this tragedy of grave human erring in the disguise of overconfidence. I also enjoyed the book the moment the character Elizabeth or Lizziebeth appeared on the scene; she really brought some fantastic colour to the book, and the plot then became very fast paced from then on till the very end.
My favourite character in this novel would be the orphan 14-year-old male protagonist called Johnny Trott because he reminded me so much of me, just trying to be loyal to people that meant something to me, et al. I love such characters in the novels I read. They make the book/books then sound much more realistic than if the protagonist was a billionaire or a millionaire or a mafia prince. Besides, I loved his comradery with Little Mitch and that gave me a really sweet feeling in the pit of my stomach.
And that does not happen often these days.
My favourite scene in this novel would be when Kaspar eats his chicken liver meal from a dish presented to him by Lizziebeth. I won’t go into the details of it – read the book to find out more and do recommend the novel to your young children at home.
I’ve noticed easily that Morpurgo’s books can be excellent fictional material for diehard Christian readers who want some clean reads for their young kids and so I easily recommend not only this book to them, but also all the books of Michael Morpurgo. You simply cannot go wrong with his titles. Gifting these books would be a great idea to your grandchildren or kids or even to that little orphanage across the street from your house – as mentioned before, you cannot go wrong with a Morpurgo book. I think I will certainly make it a point to gift only his books to my IGCSE and IB learners or students from henceforth.
Anything better than Captain Underpants or Big Nate or that strange ‘The 13 Storey Treehouse series’ that is doing the rounds everywhere these days!
What is that book anyway?!?!
If you value great reading with some timely subtly hinted values and morals on a very Christian line, then I think you should go for Morpurgo’s books. If you have your kid in the IGCSE or IB board in the PYP or MYP sections, then I hope you know that Morpurgo’s books are popular as comprehension extracts in the English Papers of these earlier mentioned boards. You would therefore be doing yourself and your ward a great favour by getting them introduced to his novels. Extracts from his books are even used to indicate the kind of narrative writing we expect from IGCSE and IB students, so yet again you would be saving yourself from a lot of work if you just introduce your kid to his books, especially if you are home schooling your kid or kids galore!
They will certainly enjoy the story of elitist, at first, but then very faithful and brave Kaspar who was apparently the only cat to have probably survived the sinking of the Titanic. Find out more by reading the novel ‘Kaspar: Prince of Cats’. If you can get your hands on the copy illustrated by Michael Foreman, then that would be an added bonus to the literary bounty!
Kudos to Michael Morpurgo on a job well done!
Since the novel was centred on the extraordinary life of a Moscow born and bred cat it immediately got me hooked onto the plot. This is in spite of the fact that I have many more pressing and pending books to read and review here on GR, especially for my college work. But I can never resist a read about a cat, especially a cat as black as Kaspar the animal protagonist of this MYP or Middle Years Programme novel.
Also, anything closely concerning the Titanic always does manage to catch my attention easily, so therefore I finished this book in a few days’ time itself. It is an exciting and yet such a humble story that instantly gives a person that feel-good feeling on reading it. Morpurgo has that talent in his crafting of his narration and plot; it just keeps making you smile with every turn of the page, and your day gets suddenly so much brighter than otherwise.
He also manages to teach the young middle grade or senior PYP reader a lot about the value of gratefulness and about being thankful for whatever we are given in this life – moments of happiness as well as sorrow. This aspect about Morpurgo’s novels makes me love his stuff even more day by day and page by page.
The book is suspenseful, full of delightful surprises, full of action, excitement and instant feel-good goodness that reminds me a lot of the writings of the nationally famous author Ruskin Bond. Ruskin Bond is India’s most beloved author, the writer from the hills, who lives in Landour, Mussoorie, and though an octogenarian, still writes and publishes several books annually through various leading big-time publications of India. He too manages to create that feel-good feeling through his books and happens to be my second favourite author of all time. However, I think Morpurgo may at this rate rob dear old Bond of that title in my life; we shall see!
Every moment spent reading this novel was memorable. I especially read the sinking of the Titanic portion in one single breathless sitting and hoped against all hope that Kaspar would survive this tragedy of grave human erring in the disguise of overconfidence. I also enjoyed the book the moment the character Elizabeth or Lizziebeth appeared on the scene; she really brought some fantastic colour to the book, and the plot then became very fast paced from then on till the very end.
My favourite character in this novel would be the orphan 14-year-old male protagonist called Johnny Trott because he reminded me so much of me, just trying to be loyal to people that meant something to me, et al. I love such characters in the novels I read. They make the book/books then sound much more realistic than if the protagonist was a billionaire or a millionaire or a mafia prince. Besides, I loved his comradery with Little Mitch and that gave me a really sweet feeling in the pit of my stomach.
And that does not happen often these days.
My favourite scene in this novel would be when Kaspar eats his chicken liver meal from a dish presented to him by Lizziebeth. I won’t go into the details of it – read the book to find out more and do recommend the novel to your young children at home.
I’ve noticed easily that Morpurgo’s books can be excellent fictional material for diehard Christian readers who want some clean reads for their young kids and so I easily recommend not only this book to them, but also all the books of Michael Morpurgo. You simply cannot go wrong with his titles. Gifting these books would be a great idea to your grandchildren or kids or even to that little orphanage across the street from your house – as mentioned before, you cannot go wrong with a Morpurgo book. I think I will certainly make it a point to gift only his books to my IGCSE and IB learners or students from henceforth.
Anything better than Captain Underpants or Big Nate or that strange ‘The 13 Storey Treehouse series’ that is doing the rounds everywhere these days!
What is that book anyway?!?!
If you value great reading with some timely subtly hinted values and morals on a very Christian line, then I think you should go for Morpurgo’s books. If you have your kid in the IGCSE or IB board in the PYP or MYP sections, then I hope you know that Morpurgo’s books are popular as comprehension extracts in the English Papers of these earlier mentioned boards. You would therefore be doing yourself and your ward a great favour by getting them introduced to his novels. Extracts from his books are even used to indicate the kind of narrative writing we expect from IGCSE and IB students, so yet again you would be saving yourself from a lot of work if you just introduce your kid to his books, especially if you are home schooling your kid or kids galore!
They will certainly enjoy the story of elitist, at first, but then very faithful and brave Kaspar who was apparently the only cat to have probably survived the sinking of the Titanic. Find out more by reading the novel ‘Kaspar: Prince of Cats’. If you can get your hands on the copy illustrated by Michael Foreman, then that would be an added bonus to the literary bounty!
Kudos to Michael Morpurgo on a job well done!
May 5, 2019
I love this author's books. I loved this little story. What a treasure Michael is for children and adults like me. If you like animals, enjoy good writing and of course have a soft spot for cats do read this book and as many others you can get hold of written by Michael. Some of his books are more for younger children, others such as War Horse and Robin Hood can definitely be read and enjoyed by adults too. Michael is a top children's author and a top of the range choice either to read or to be read to for the younger ones. I heartily recommend! My shelf is full of his books.
June 9, 2022
One dark, one fair. Both missing their family and looking for a place to belong and call home. Fate does not discriminate with its twists and turns.
Prince Kaspar Kandinsdky, the "Prince of cats" has sleek black fur, and is mourning the loss of his beloved owner, the Opera singer, Countess Kandinsky. Johnny Trott is a twelve year old bellboy at London's Savoy hotel, where the Countess stays while on tour. He is an orphan who daydreams about how he imagines his Mum would be, and the Countess fits the picture. She introduces him to the beauty of music and art. He feels a safe contentment in her company.
"I had lost as well the first real friend I had ever had, the first person who had ever told me they liked me."
Both Kaspar and Johnny feel a keen sense of sadness after an accident takes the Countess from them. And from that point on, their lives are intrinsically intertwined.
This is a beautifully told story of some hard life lessons, but that hope can still be there. And that you never know where life will life will take you, and what friends you might meet along the way.
Life at the Savoy is keenly brought alive, showing both the hierarchy amongst the workers, as well as the dichotomy between their lives and the well to do guests at the hotel.
The illustrations by Michael Foreman are a delight, and add a special layer to this already engaging story. At one point I turned a page and audibly gasped, as the drawing caught a vibrant street scene in London so well. You simply have to see them.
I can only imagine how wonderful this book would be to read as a young reader, how deftly it would capture their imagination. There's friendship, sadness, courage, loyalty, adventure. There's a cat ♡ What more could you want? It's easily a book which can (and probably will end up being) re-read over the years. And perhaps savoured even more as an adult.
WORDS: Michael Morporgo
ILLUSTRATIONS: Michael Foreman
Yes, the Titanic is part of this story. "We've only gone and hit a flaming iceberg!" Imagine the scrambled thoughts on being awoken in the middle of darkest night to panic and chaos in the middle of the ocean. The words and illustrations capture the frightening predicament of those poor souls on board. The band playing on deck while people scrambled to escape is imprinted in my mind.
And yes, I did indeed read the postscript first. Which is really unusual, as I never read the last page of a book first. I've no idea why I did this time. Please don't be cross with me, Mr Morporgo! I know it is a cardinal sin of book reading. But on doing so I did discover that there is a sculpture of a very handsome, elegant cat at the Savoy...
The story had come full circle.
"From his whiskers to his paws he was black all over, jet black and sleek and shiny and beautiful. He knew he was beautiful too."
Have tissues ready.
Loved ᓚᘏᗢ ♡
Prince Kaspar Kandinsdky, the "Prince of cats" has sleek black fur, and is mourning the loss of his beloved owner, the Opera singer, Countess Kandinsky. Johnny Trott is a twelve year old bellboy at London's Savoy hotel, where the Countess stays while on tour. He is an orphan who daydreams about how he imagines his Mum would be, and the Countess fits the picture. She introduces him to the beauty of music and art. He feels a safe contentment in her company.
"I had lost as well the first real friend I had ever had, the first person who had ever told me they liked me."
Both Kaspar and Johnny feel a keen sense of sadness after an accident takes the Countess from them. And from that point on, their lives are intrinsically intertwined.
This is a beautifully told story of some hard life lessons, but that hope can still be there. And that you never know where life will life will take you, and what friends you might meet along the way.
Life at the Savoy is keenly brought alive, showing both the hierarchy amongst the workers, as well as the dichotomy between their lives and the well to do guests at the hotel.
The illustrations by Michael Foreman are a delight, and add a special layer to this already engaging story. At one point I turned a page and audibly gasped, as the drawing caught a vibrant street scene in London so well. You simply have to see them.
I can only imagine how wonderful this book would be to read as a young reader, how deftly it would capture their imagination. There's friendship, sadness, courage, loyalty, adventure. There's a cat ♡ What more could you want? It's easily a book which can (and probably will end up being) re-read over the years. And perhaps savoured even more as an adult.
WORDS: Michael Morporgo
ILLUSTRATIONS: Michael Foreman
Yes, the Titanic is part of this story. "We've only gone and hit a flaming iceberg!" Imagine the scrambled thoughts on being awoken in the middle of darkest night to panic and chaos in the middle of the ocean. The words and illustrations capture the frightening predicament of those poor souls on board. The band playing on deck while people scrambled to escape is imprinted in my mind.
And yes, I did indeed read the postscript first. Which is really unusual, as I never read the last page of a book first. I've no idea why I did this time. Please don't be cross with me, Mr Morporgo! I know it is a cardinal sin of book reading. But on doing so I did discover that there is a sculpture of a very handsome, elegant cat at the Savoy...
The story had come full circle.
"From his whiskers to his paws he was black all over, jet black and sleek and shiny and beautiful. He knew he was beautiful too."
Have tissues ready.
Loved ᓚᘏᗢ ♡
October 20, 2015
This is my daughter’s favourite book, and she returns to it again and again. I was curious to know why, so I wrested it from her and sat down to read.
It really is a delightful book, gorgeously illustrated by Michael Foreman. It tells the story of Johnny Trott, a bellboy at the Savoy, who makes friends with a cat named Kaspar. ‘From his whiskers to his paws he was black all over, jet black and sleek and shiny and beautiful. He knew he was beautiful too. He moved like silk, his head held high, his tail swishing as he went.’
Kaspar belongs to a Russian countess who befriends Johnny, and introduces him to a world of beauty and art and music. When the countess tragically dies, Johnny must keep Kaspar safe from the horrible head housekeeper, called ‘Skullface’ by the hotel staff.
He is helped by the daughter of a rich American who is staying at the Savoy. They have all sorts of adventures – including escaping the sinking of the Titanic – before finding happiness and safety in America. I asked my daughter why she loves it so much, and she said, ‘because it’s about a cat, and a boy and a girl who save it, and because it makes you sad one minute, then happy the next.’
Wonderful!
It really is a delightful book, gorgeously illustrated by Michael Foreman. It tells the story of Johnny Trott, a bellboy at the Savoy, who makes friends with a cat named Kaspar. ‘From his whiskers to his paws he was black all over, jet black and sleek and shiny and beautiful. He knew he was beautiful too. He moved like silk, his head held high, his tail swishing as he went.’
Kaspar belongs to a Russian countess who befriends Johnny, and introduces him to a world of beauty and art and music. When the countess tragically dies, Johnny must keep Kaspar safe from the horrible head housekeeper, called ‘Skullface’ by the hotel staff.
He is helped by the daughter of a rich American who is staying at the Savoy. They have all sorts of adventures – including escaping the sinking of the Titanic – before finding happiness and safety in America. I asked my daughter why she loves it so much, and she said, ‘because it’s about a cat, and a boy and a girl who save it, and because it makes you sad one minute, then happy the next.’
Wonderful!
November 12, 2013
Another beautiful little tale from Morpurgo with an animal at its heart.
Abandoned London pageboy, Johnny Trot, meets a Russian Countess at the hotel in which he works. With her is her cat, Kaspar, a Prince, says the Countess. Becoming friends with them both, he finds himself alone in caring for the cat unexpectedly. And then Elizabeth comes to stay at the hotel with her parents, offering friendship to the orphan. But her day of departure draws near - she is to sail for America... on the Titanic...
Good period detail, a nice story of friendship, and a wonderful account for children of the sinking of the Titanic. It doesn't hold back from saying what happened, and you really do root for Johnny and Kaspar to make it safely out of the water.
Abandoned London pageboy, Johnny Trot, meets a Russian Countess at the hotel in which he works. With her is her cat, Kaspar, a Prince, says the Countess. Becoming friends with them both, he finds himself alone in caring for the cat unexpectedly. And then Elizabeth comes to stay at the hotel with her parents, offering friendship to the orphan. But her day of departure draws near - she is to sail for America... on the Titanic...
Good period detail, a nice story of friendship, and a wonderful account for children of the sinking of the Titanic. It doesn't hold back from saying what happened, and you really do root for Johnny and Kaspar to make it safely out of the water.
September 4, 2020
Thanks to my dear friend Leila, I found this book. Leila, I finally was able to float it to the top and soooo glad that I did.
It is 1917 and the site is The Savoy Hotel in London.
Johnny Trott is an orphan who is now a bellboy there. A beautiful opera singer comes to stay at the Savoy and brings with her Prince Kaspar Kandinsky, the aristocratic cat. But tragedy strikes and Kaspar is left an orphan too. Johnny steps in to care for him until the family of the opera singer can come to take the cat home.
As you can imagine, the Titanic and its sinking are part of the story. I will leave it to you to read the book and get the entire series of events.
Michael Morpugo stayed at The Savoy and found evidence that Kaspar did exist in one way or another. Everyone in the hotel was very kind. He and his family were treated like royalty. Then one day, in the corridor next to the American Bar, he met Kaspar, the Savoy Cat. He was sitting there in a glass showcase: a sculpture of a huge black cat, very elegant, very superior. The beginnings of a story about Kaspar were found.
Very quick read and a heartening book. Written for children, but adults will love this light read too.
5 stars
It is 1917 and the site is The Savoy Hotel in London.
Johnny Trott is an orphan who is now a bellboy there. A beautiful opera singer comes to stay at the Savoy and brings with her Prince Kaspar Kandinsky, the aristocratic cat. But tragedy strikes and Kaspar is left an orphan too. Johnny steps in to care for him until the family of the opera singer can come to take the cat home.
As you can imagine, the Titanic and its sinking are part of the story. I will leave it to you to read the book and get the entire series of events.
Michael Morpugo stayed at The Savoy and found evidence that Kaspar did exist in one way or another. Everyone in the hotel was very kind. He and his family were treated like royalty. Then one day, in the corridor next to the American Bar, he met Kaspar, the Savoy Cat. He was sitting there in a glass showcase: a sculpture of a huge black cat, very elegant, very superior. The beginnings of a story about Kaspar were found.
Very quick read and a heartening book. Written for children, but adults will love this light read too.
5 stars
October 10, 2021
This is such a beautiful story 🖤 will definitely be returning to it once I’ve stopped blubbering
April 12, 2011
I was very impressed with this book. I was throughly caught up in it. I at first throught it was going to be a book about Kaspar however when you really get into the book you realise its about the boy. It is very heart warming and i loved it.
I have always liked the way that Morpurgo writes he puts so much research into his books and it really shines through. All the small bits are amazingly written and they add so much to the bigger picture.
I wont give too much away from the end of the book but i was nearly in tears. I think its safe to say that Kaspar will stay in my heart.
I have always liked the way that Morpurgo writes he puts so much research into his books and it really shines through. All the small bits are amazingly written and they add so much to the bigger picture.
I wont give too much away from the end of the book but i was nearly in tears. I think its safe to say that Kaspar will stay in my heart.
June 12, 2014
This is another book where I felt misled. It's not necessarily about Kaspar, it's about Johnny Trott, an orphan working at the Savoy hotel who encounters Kaspar when his owner Countess comes to stay. She takes a liking to Johnny and asks him to take care of Kaspar while she is out of the hotel with the opera. Johnny takes on the role of Kaspar's owner when the Countess is struck by tragedy and struggles with Kaspar's grief until the appearance of Lizziebeth and her family as guests of the Savoy. Johnny and Lizziebeth become friends, Kaspar is healthy and happy, adventures happen, THEN we get to the Titanic. So yeah, not so much about Kaspar, and the Titanic didn't come up until about halfway through.
If you think of the story as "pre-Titanic" and "Titanic and after" the pace of the first part was sort of slow. I was also a little put off by the story NOT being about Kaspar and the Titanic, which is what I was expecting. Not necessarily a bad thing, but just not what I was expecting so it took some adjusting. Things moved very fast during the Titanic parts, but that was good as we know what's coming so let's just right to it. The "after" part also moved along pretty quickly, but wrapped up the story with a happy ending.
Overall, I found it to be just okay. Nothing spectacular, nothing bad, but just okay. I'd recommend it to my library patrons looking for stories about the Titanic, but I'd forewarn them that they have to get through the first part to read about the Titanic. Grades 3 and up.
If you think of the story as "pre-Titanic" and "Titanic and after" the pace of the first part was sort of slow. I was also a little put off by the story NOT being about Kaspar and the Titanic, which is what I was expecting. Not necessarily a bad thing, but just not what I was expecting so it took some adjusting. Things moved very fast during the Titanic parts, but that was good as we know what's coming so let's just right to it. The "after" part also moved along pretty quickly, but wrapped up the story with a happy ending.
Overall, I found it to be just okay. Nothing spectacular, nothing bad, but just okay. I'd recommend it to my library patrons looking for stories about the Titanic, but I'd forewarn them that they have to get through the first part to read about the Titanic. Grades 3 and up.
October 31, 2025
Featured in read with Grandma sessions . . .
Before we started this book I paused . . .we all know how the Titanic ends, and that's a lot of death to present to kids. However, my faith in this author to present meaningful happenings with a measure of hope was proved once again.
My grandkids are cat fans and have a number of them - Elvis being the favorite. They are also interested in history, and Titanic is certainly in that category. We launched and I was pleased that the fiction stayed mostly close to the actual happenings - research had been done.
Mostly, though, it was the loveable Johnny Trott - an orphan - that stole the hearts of my kidlets. Learning about his life in London, and working at a fancy hotel, knowing a Countess, and becoming a stowaway on the Titanic kept them engaged to the very end.
?How many stars, kiddos? FIVE! It was resounding. Another satisfying conclusion to a read - with respect and consideration paid to the sacrifices of the past. One even said they were going to find more books about that disastrous happening. The other said no cruises for him. Ever. (I'm with him!)
25|52:42f
Before we started this book I paused . . .we all know how the Titanic ends, and that's a lot of death to present to kids. However, my faith in this author to present meaningful happenings with a measure of hope was proved once again.
My grandkids are cat fans and have a number of them - Elvis being the favorite. They are also interested in history, and Titanic is certainly in that category. We launched and I was pleased that the fiction stayed mostly close to the actual happenings - research had been done.
Mostly, though, it was the loveable Johnny Trott - an orphan - that stole the hearts of my kidlets. Learning about his life in London, and working at a fancy hotel, knowing a Countess, and becoming a stowaway on the Titanic kept them engaged to the very end.
?How many stars, kiddos? FIVE! It was resounding. Another satisfying conclusion to a read - with respect and consideration paid to the sacrifices of the past. One even said they were going to find more books about that disastrous happening. The other said no cruises for him. Ever. (I'm with him!)
25|52:42f
March 15, 2025
Fun short story about a cat who survives the titanic and becomes well known and well loved. Really enjoyed!
December 26, 2025
This is the blockbuster drama that James Cameron was trying to achieve
December 3, 2011
Michael Morpurgo has to be up there as one of the all-time greatest children's authors and once again, with Kaspar he has written a wonderful story that will thrill not just children but adults too. With the added bonus of beautiful illustrations by Michael Foreman, this really is a gem of a book.
Set in 1912, Johnny Trott is working as a bell-boy at The Savoy in London. An orphan, he managed to run away from the orphanage where the staff treated him so cruelly and is happy working at The Savoy.
When Russian opera singer Countess Kanindsky and her haughty black cat Kaspar come to stay at The Savoy, Johnny soon becomes close to them. He imagines that the Countess is his long-lost Mother and becomes very close to Kaspar, taking him for walks and feeding him tit-bits from the kitchen. Johnny then meets another guest - American Lizziebeth, the young daughter of a rich couple who are staying in the hotel for a few months. Lizziebeth gets bored hanging around the hotel and soon lands Johnny in all sorts of trouble.
Johnny finds himself a passenger on The Titanic, along with Kaspar and Lizziebeth's family. As the ship hits the iceberg and the passengers panic, Johnny is only concerned with making sure that Kaspar and Lizziebeth get on a lifeboat. To say any more would spoil the story completely.
This is a wonderfully written story, which keeps the reader entranced. Only short, at 200 pages but beautifully presented and well-researched. The story was inspired by Morporgo's time as writer in residence at The Savoy.
Beautifully illustrated and told with great empathy for the human and animal subjects. In all his stories he tackles big issues for children to understand and the portrayal of the sinking of the Titanic is no exception.
An excellent book for KS2 readers, useful for both history and literacy/ guided reading lessons. I read it with a group of children and our discussions seemed never ending! We had also tried pomegranate and figs by the end.
Set in 1912, Johnny Trott is working as a bell-boy at The Savoy in London. An orphan, he managed to run away from the orphanage where the staff treated him so cruelly and is happy working at The Savoy.
When Russian opera singer Countess Kanindsky and her haughty black cat Kaspar come to stay at The Savoy, Johnny soon becomes close to them. He imagines that the Countess is his long-lost Mother and becomes very close to Kaspar, taking him for walks and feeding him tit-bits from the kitchen. Johnny then meets another guest - American Lizziebeth, the young daughter of a rich couple who are staying in the hotel for a few months. Lizziebeth gets bored hanging around the hotel and soon lands Johnny in all sorts of trouble.
Johnny finds himself a passenger on The Titanic, along with Kaspar and Lizziebeth's family. As the ship hits the iceberg and the passengers panic, Johnny is only concerned with making sure that Kaspar and Lizziebeth get on a lifeboat. To say any more would spoil the story completely.
This is a wonderfully written story, which keeps the reader entranced. Only short, at 200 pages but beautifully presented and well-researched. The story was inspired by Morporgo's time as writer in residence at The Savoy.
Beautifully illustrated and told with great empathy for the human and animal subjects. In all his stories he tackles big issues for children to understand and the portrayal of the sinking of the Titanic is no exception.
An excellent book for KS2 readers, useful for both history and literacy/ guided reading lessons. I read it with a group of children and our discussions seemed never ending! We had also tried pomegranate and figs by the end.
June 2, 2014
A definite 5/5 from Izzie and me - story time stretched out to a full hour tonight as the tension ran high and we simply couldn't wait to find out what would happen next.
'Kaspar, Prince of Cats' is the story of Johnny Trott, bell boy at the Savoy Hotel, Elizabeth Stanton, rich American girl, and Kaspar, possibly the luckiest cat ever, and certainly the only one to survive the sinking of the Titanic. It's always difficult to read about the Titanic - 'unsinkable' said Captain Smith, 'Hah!' said Izzie -but Morpurgo deals with it gently for the younger reader without ever trying to hide the awful sadness of it.
Izzie, following in her brothers' footsteps, is now a confirmed Michael Morpurgo fan, and this one comes highly recommended.
September 1, 2019
This book deftly displays a roller coaster of events that take place in the life of a boy named Johnny Trott's life. The adventure starts when Kaspar, Countess Kadinsky's cat is delivered to the doorstep of the Savoy Hotel where Johnny Trott works as the bell-boy. The duo sneak into the staff quarters, careful not to be discovered by the infamous sour-faced housekeeper and enjoy eachother's company in Johnny's free time until two becomes three when Lizziebeth, a guest at the hotel, is discovered feeding Kaspar by the staff quarters. I recommend this book to people that like animals because much of the adventures in this book are about Kaspar the cat. This is a great book and I enjoyed reading it! Other books from this author such as 'Toro, Toro," and "The Butterfly Lion" are also about the phenomenon of friendship between humans and animals.
January 7, 2026
This was my FAVOURITE book as a kid.
I remember reading the whole thing super quickly and then rereading it again and again, then taking it to school for World Book Day and realising the only Michael Morpurgo books people were talking about were Butterfly Lion, Born to Run, and War Horse (categorically about animals I Did Not Care For).
What I can't remember is the plot, the characters (beyond Kaspar and the little bellboy), or any details. Very vague memory of wishing I could live in the servants quarters because I wanted to be friends with the maids, but nothing much else.
So as far as I can recall - 5 stars. I think about this book at least every couple of months.
I remember reading the whole thing super quickly and then rereading it again and again, then taking it to school for World Book Day and realising the only Michael Morpurgo books people were talking about were Butterfly Lion, Born to Run, and War Horse (categorically about animals I Did Not Care For).
What I can't remember is the plot, the characters (beyond Kaspar and the little bellboy), or any details. Very vague memory of wishing I could live in the servants quarters because I wanted to be friends with the maids, but nothing much else.
So as far as I can recall - 5 stars. I think about this book at least every couple of months.
September 2, 2025
3 stars
I loved this book as a kid and although I did enjoy it, the writing is definitely aimed at kids.
I loved this book as a kid and although I did enjoy it, the writing is definitely aimed at kids.
April 15, 2022
Today marks the 110 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Every year, my Mommy tries to pay homage by reading a Titanic themed book. Her choice this year, was easily one of my favorite reads in forever!
Oh isn't Kaspar just wonderful! I have to admit, I believe myself to be rather a smitten kitten. Hooray to Michael Morpurgo for bringing Kaspar, the Savoy cat, to life in such a remarkable way.
I almost didn't give this book 5 stars for the simple reason that I would have liked the postscript by the author, to be a preface. No, we are not one of those horrible people who read the last page of a book in the beginning of the book. Just because I understand the inquisitiveness of a cat, I will give you some background before you jump blindly into the story.
Did you know that Kaspar isn't only a figment of Mr. Morpurgo's vivid imagination? Oh no, he is very much real and taking up residence in the Savoy Hotel in London, England.
He was carved in 1927 by the designer Basil Ionides and for his background story, I am just going to retell it in Mr. Morpurgo's perfect rendition:
"One day, almost a 100 years ago, thirteen men sat down to a dinner party at the Savoy. One of them scoffed loudly at the suggestion that thirteen might be an unlucky number, said it was so much tosh. Only a few weeks later, he was shot down in his office in Johannesburg, South Africa. Thereafter, The Savoy decided that they would never again allow thirteen people to sit down together for dinner. They would always have a fourteenth chair, and sitting on the fourteenth chair, there would be a specially carved sculpture of a lucky black cat. He was known as Kaspar."
Now that is as true as my fur is white. The rest of the tale in this marvelous book, might be only from Mr. Morpurgo's imagination. Or it might just as well be true. I for one, will go to sleep tonight, believing it was.
The story is told through the eyes of Johnny Trott, a bell-boy at the Savoy during the time when ladies still wore feathers in their hats and gentlemen still stepped aside for said ladies who considered cats as princes. No one held Kaspar in such hight esteem as The Countess Kadinsky and no one admired and secretly loved the Countess as much as Johnny. When tragedy struck, both Johnny and Kaspar are left in utter devastation and find themselves in each other's care. Trying to hide a cat, is never a good idea. No matter in what age, era or fancy hotel you find yourself in. I can't begin to describe the relieve when Miss Elizabeth Stanton came to Johnny and Kaspar's rescue. She was a bit of a wild thing for a girl, but then again, she was destined to become the guardian of the Prince of cats, so she would need to be rather spirited. (If this is considered a spoiler, hmmm.... apologies?)
Johnny and Elizabeth became vast friends, as sharing secrets tend to do. But Elizabeth couldn't stay in the Savoy forever and was bound for the Americas with a first-class ticket on the most magnificent ship every built - the Titanic. If you are able to read this, you do know what happens to the Titanic, but you do not know what happens to my Prince, Elizabeth and Johnny. I am not allowed to give anymore spoilers, but I can encourage you to read this marvelous tale on friendship, loyalty, courage and the most majestical cat to survive the Titanic.
Review was first published @ Elza Reads
Oh isn't Kaspar just wonderful! I have to admit, I believe myself to be rather a smitten kitten. Hooray to Michael Morpurgo for bringing Kaspar, the Savoy cat, to life in such a remarkable way.
I almost didn't give this book 5 stars for the simple reason that I would have liked the postscript by the author, to be a preface. No, we are not one of those horrible people who read the last page of a book in the beginning of the book. Just because I understand the inquisitiveness of a cat, I will give you some background before you jump blindly into the story.
Did you know that Kaspar isn't only a figment of Mr. Morpurgo's vivid imagination? Oh no, he is very much real and taking up residence in the Savoy Hotel in London, England.
He was carved in 1927 by the designer Basil Ionides and for his background story, I am just going to retell it in Mr. Morpurgo's perfect rendition:
"One day, almost a 100 years ago, thirteen men sat down to a dinner party at the Savoy. One of them scoffed loudly at the suggestion that thirteen might be an unlucky number, said it was so much tosh. Only a few weeks later, he was shot down in his office in Johannesburg, South Africa. Thereafter, The Savoy decided that they would never again allow thirteen people to sit down together for dinner. They would always have a fourteenth chair, and sitting on the fourteenth chair, there would be a specially carved sculpture of a lucky black cat. He was known as Kaspar."
Now that is as true as my fur is white. The rest of the tale in this marvelous book, might be only from Mr. Morpurgo's imagination. Or it might just as well be true. I for one, will go to sleep tonight, believing it was.
The story is told through the eyes of Johnny Trott, a bell-boy at the Savoy during the time when ladies still wore feathers in their hats and gentlemen still stepped aside for said ladies who considered cats as princes. No one held Kaspar in such hight esteem as The Countess Kadinsky and no one admired and secretly loved the Countess as much as Johnny. When tragedy struck, both Johnny and Kaspar are left in utter devastation and find themselves in each other's care. Trying to hide a cat, is never a good idea. No matter in what age, era or fancy hotel you find yourself in. I can't begin to describe the relieve when Miss Elizabeth Stanton came to Johnny and Kaspar's rescue. She was a bit of a wild thing for a girl, but then again, she was destined to become the guardian of the Prince of cats, so she would need to be rather spirited. (If this is considered a spoiler, hmmm.... apologies?)
Johnny and Elizabeth became vast friends, as sharing secrets tend to do. But Elizabeth couldn't stay in the Savoy forever and was bound for the Americas with a first-class ticket on the most magnificent ship every built - the Titanic. If you are able to read this, you do know what happens to the Titanic, but you do not know what happens to my Prince, Elizabeth and Johnny. I am not allowed to give anymore spoilers, but I can encourage you to read this marvelous tale on friendship, loyalty, courage and the most majestical cat to survive the Titanic.
Review was first published @ Elza Reads
January 7, 2017
I liked how Johnny got to change his life after he survived the sinking of the titanic with the Stanton family and Kaspar. When the Stanton family went back to England to the Savoy hotel in London, Lizziebeth and Johnny received a special letter from Mr Freddie. I also liked how before when Johnny was a bell boy, he wasn't allowed to bring any type of animals in the hotel. But now he's returned, he's made Kaspar the first ever pet of the hotel.
December 30, 2021
This book was just purrrfect! If you love animals (especially cats ;)) i really recommend you this book. While i was reading it i cried like 3 times! It was just so cutee.
February 4, 2012
This amazing, addicting book is about a young boy, who works at the Savoy Hotel as a Bell-boy. When the Countess Kandinsky visits the hotel with the prince of cats, Kaspar Kandinsky, everything changes. Read the story of brave Johnny Trot, Elizabeth, and most importantly, Kaspar, the first cat to survive the sinking of the Titanic...
This book is amazing. At parts, it made me just want to cry, and some others my heart pounds in my chest like mad. Michael Morpurgo has a real talent of making readers feel how the characters feel, what their going through, and making them understand everything. He is the only author that can do this to me, and it is amazing. I just want to have all of his books!
I chose 5 stars, and he very well deserved it. Everything fits in, and all the events are so exciting and fun. Read this amazing book and I bet you will be as astonished as me as what a big talent Michael has. If not, then more. If you don't like this book, then you aren't on this planet!
I recommend this book for 7+ readers. They will love it. I am 8 and I love this book.
Faye xx
This book is amazing. At parts, it made me just want to cry, and some others my heart pounds in my chest like mad. Michael Morpurgo has a real talent of making readers feel how the characters feel, what their going through, and making them understand everything. He is the only author that can do this to me, and it is amazing. I just want to have all of his books!
I chose 5 stars, and he very well deserved it. Everything fits in, and all the events are so exciting and fun. Read this amazing book and I bet you will be as astonished as me as what a big talent Michael has. If not, then more. If you don't like this book, then you aren't on this planet!
I recommend this book for 7+ readers. They will love it. I am 8 and I love this book.
Faye xx
February 1, 2015
A charming book. Johnny Trot works as a bell boy at the Savoy hotel and sees many rich people. An opera singer comes to stay with her car Kaspar and as part of his duties he has to walk the cat in the park. When she dies he hides the cat in his sleeping quarters until Lizzibeth, an American girl finds him. When they set sail back to America on the Titanic, Johhny Trot stows away to make a better life for himself!
We all know what happened on the maiden voyage.
Apparently, the Savoy uses a statue of a cat when any of their dining parties have 13 guests- to make the 14th and stave off any bad luck.
Michael Morpurgo spent 3 months at the Savoy as a writer in residence and the story sparked his imagination for this book.
We all know what happened on the maiden voyage.
Apparently, the Savoy uses a statue of a cat when any of their dining parties have 13 guests- to make the 14th and stave off any bad luck.
Michael Morpurgo spent 3 months at the Savoy as a writer in residence and the story sparked his imagination for this book.
November 2, 2021
This is such a lovely introduction for children about the Titanic.
Michael Morpurgo tells the wonderful story of Kaspar the cat and how he arrived at the London Savoy Hotel.
Johnny Trot is a bellboy and when Johnny finds himself responsible for Kaspar he ends up journeying across the Atlantic on the newest and biggest ship ever. The Titanic.
A lovely story of love and loss.
Perfect for children between the ages of 8-12
Michael Morpurgo tells the wonderful story of Kaspar the cat and how he arrived at the London Savoy Hotel.
Johnny Trot is a bellboy and when Johnny finds himself responsible for Kaspar he ends up journeying across the Atlantic on the newest and biggest ship ever. The Titanic.
A lovely story of love and loss.
Perfect for children between the ages of 8-12
April 12, 2023
This book is about an extraordinary cat that survived the sink of the titanic
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2026
My all-time childhood favourite. A lovely story.
March 21, 2019
This book is one of my favourite Michael Morpurgo books - I absolutely love it and think it is great as a leisurely read but also as a text for teaching. It is a heartwarming story about how the life of a young bell boy named Johnny Trott working at The Ritz Hotel in London is transformed by a russian countess and her cat. When later in the book, Johnny Trott is left with the cat, a new friend walks into his life. For the first time since Johnny was made an orphan at a young age, he feels special and happiness enters his life. He makes further friends and is faced with tough decisions. A young girl staying in the hotel forms a close friendship with Johnny and becomes equally mesmerised by Kaspar the cat. The three of them form a very close bond and became the best of friends. Little do they know that something is about to change their lives forever....
Michael Morpurgo hooks in the reader in the first few chapters by using incredibly engaging descriptive language to describe the sequence of events which lead to Johnny Trott being left to fend for himself and Kaspar the cat. His story recounts some of the horrific events of the sinking of the Titanic and could be used to teach about this event in history. There is great potential for teaching literacy using this book. I have used elements of this book to get children to write diary extracts as different characters within the book to encourage them to understand feelings and empathy. I have also used elements of this book as the start of creative writing pieces. There are various points in the book which provide a great starting point for children to write stories.
Although this book is recommended for year 5 and above, I have been reading this book with my higher ability year 4 guided reading group and they have absolutely loved it. Whilst there is much that can be understood by all and the story is very easy to follow, it pushes those who are more able with many trickier words such as menacingly and aura. I have planned the guided reading sessions in order that I set appropriate challenges for all of the children within the group. This involves asking questions regarding the text focussing on comprehension and deciphering meaning from the text and specific words which Michael Morpurgo uses. I have also taken this further in order to challenge the most able children by asking them to find synonyms for some of the tricky words and to form sentences using these tricky words.
I would recommend this book very highly to all ages as I think Michael Morpurgo is very clever in the way that he writes this book so as to cater for a variety of readers. I absolutely loved reading it myself as an adult and in the words of the 8 year olds in my group, 'It is such an exciting book and we never wanted to stop reading it!'. It is a must read!!!
Michael Morpurgo hooks in the reader in the first few chapters by using incredibly engaging descriptive language to describe the sequence of events which lead to Johnny Trott being left to fend for himself and Kaspar the cat. His story recounts some of the horrific events of the sinking of the Titanic and could be used to teach about this event in history. There is great potential for teaching literacy using this book. I have used elements of this book to get children to write diary extracts as different characters within the book to encourage them to understand feelings and empathy. I have also used elements of this book as the start of creative writing pieces. There are various points in the book which provide a great starting point for children to write stories.
Although this book is recommended for year 5 and above, I have been reading this book with my higher ability year 4 guided reading group and they have absolutely loved it. Whilst there is much that can be understood by all and the story is very easy to follow, it pushes those who are more able with many trickier words such as menacingly and aura. I have planned the guided reading sessions in order that I set appropriate challenges for all of the children within the group. This involves asking questions regarding the text focussing on comprehension and deciphering meaning from the text and specific words which Michael Morpurgo uses. I have also taken this further in order to challenge the most able children by asking them to find synonyms for some of the tricky words and to form sentences using these tricky words.
I would recommend this book very highly to all ages as I think Michael Morpurgo is very clever in the way that he writes this book so as to cater for a variety of readers. I absolutely loved reading it myself as an adult and in the words of the 8 year olds in my group, 'It is such an exciting book and we never wanted to stop reading it!'. It is a must read!!!
January 3, 2019
I read this book as part of a Reading Challenge. Challenge 3: Read a book where an animal is the main character.
The story is told in first person through the eyes of Jonny Trott, a bellboy at the Savoy Hotel. Early on the story, he meets Kaspar: Prince of Cats and the story follows their journey. Along the way, they meet lots of different characters who join their journey.
I really like the story because it wasn't what I thought it would be about. I think it would like to the topic/ theme of the titanic brilliantly without giving too much away. I think that the ending of the book was slightly rushed. However, it think that if they missed part of the plot out, it wouldn't have been the same.
Overall, I give this book 4/5 stars and I would recommend it for someone to read.
The story is told in first person through the eyes of Jonny Trott, a bellboy at the Savoy Hotel. Early on the story, he meets Kaspar: Prince of Cats and the story follows their journey. Along the way, they meet lots of different characters who join their journey.
I really like the story because it wasn't what I thought it would be about. I think it would like to the topic/ theme of the titanic brilliantly without giving too much away. I think that the ending of the book was slightly rushed. However, it think that if they missed part of the plot out, it wouldn't have been the same.
Overall, I give this book 4/5 stars and I would recommend it for someone to read.
March 15, 2022
This was SUCH a good little book! Especially if you are a history buff. And like the story of the Titanic. And like cats.
To follow the little boy Johnny and his journey to first get to know Kaspar Kandinsky the royal cat and his owner, to then take care of Kaspar, find a friend and a new family... And decide to move to America. Unfortunally... by traveling on the Titanic as a stoveaway.
It's a very exciting story! I was wondering how Morpurgo would write the horrors of Titanics shipwreck since this is a kids-book. But I think he handled it wonderfully. And the artwork in this book is GORGEOUS in all it's simplicity!
Kiddo was really on the edge of her seat while we read this! And now she wants to read EVERYTHING Michael Morpurgo has written! First time she's asked for books that does not include horses... So that is very high praise!!!
To follow the little boy Johnny and his journey to first get to know Kaspar Kandinsky the royal cat and his owner, to then take care of Kaspar, find a friend and a new family... And decide to move to America. Unfortunally... by traveling on the Titanic as a stoveaway.
It's a very exciting story! I was wondering how Morpurgo would write the horrors of Titanics shipwreck since this is a kids-book. But I think he handled it wonderfully. And the artwork in this book is GORGEOUS in all it's simplicity!
Kiddo was really on the edge of her seat while we read this! And now she wants to read EVERYTHING Michael Morpurgo has written! First time she's asked for books that does not include horses... So that is very high praise!!!
March 12, 2023
Bought this book over a year or two ago now, forgetting how much I wanted to read it. But I picked it up, and read it all the way through in one sitting. This story, compared to Michael Morpurgo's others, is simple yet in my opinion the most simply beautiful, special in its own way. You have to read it to know. I wouldn't suggest for younger audiences, because it does address the dark thoughts during and after a tragedy like Titanic, but for teenagers I think it is a wonderful story to soak up. Read it as an animal lover, but Morpurgo helps you to get to know and love the characters dearly as well. I adore the 'found family' this story has, not just with the Stantons but with the Countess as well. She set him up for his story, even if she was only the beginning of it. Just a wonderful little story that I definitely took for granted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2021
The ending for the Kaspar is SO SAD!!! My favourite character was Kaspar. One of my cats acts like him. The pictures were AMAZING, and I NEED to know who his mother is!! WHO IS IT!! And the writing at the end was a bit hard to read....
When I heard they were going on the titanic I was like NO KITTY DON'T DO IT!!
When I heard they were going on the titanic I was like NO KITTY DON'T DO IT!!
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