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El misterio del Cheshire (A la Orilla del Viento) (Spanish Edition)
Skilley, an alley cat with an embarrassing secret, longs to escape his hard life dodging fishwives brooms and carriage wheels and trade his damp alley for the warmth of the Cheshire Cheese Inn. When he learns that the innkeeper is looking for a new mouser, Skilley comes up with an audacious scheme to install himself in the famous tavern. Once established in the inn, Skilley strikes a bargain with Pip, the intelligent mouse-resident, and his fellow mice. Skilley protects the mice and the mice in turn give to Skilley the delectable Cheshire cheese of the inn. Thus begins a most unlikely alliance and friendship. The cat and mouse design a plan to restore Maldwyn wounded raven and faithful guard in the service of Queen Victoria to his rightful place in The Tower, but first they must contend with a tyrannical cook, a mouse-despising barmaid, and an evil tomcat named Pinch. Will the famous author suffering from serious writer s block who visits the Cheshire Cheese pub each day be able to help?
220 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
28 people are currently reading
2168 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Agra Deedy
29 books143 followersCarmen Agra Deedy is an internationally known author of children’s literature, a storyteller and radio contributor. Born in Havana, Cuba, she immigrated to the United States with her family in 1963 after the Cuban Revolution. Deedy grew up in Decatur, Georgia and currently lives in Atlanta and has three daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 496 reviews
August 9, 2011
Animal stories. Done well and you get something like Charlotte’s Web or The Incredible Journey. Done poorly and you cannot name for me a more annoying genre. Some days it seems to me that every great children’s author eventually tries their hand at the style to varying degrees of success. Burned one time too many I’ve taken to just avoiding books with animals in them altogether unless there’s something that seems to be extraordinary about them. So when The Cheshire Cheese Cat came into my possession, I was inclined to put it aside. Then a friend and an editor both assured me it was lovely. And then there was the fact that Carman Agra Deedy, author of such great picture books as 14 Cows for America had co-authored it. Finally, it’s not every day that the great Barry Moser illustrates a new work of middle grade fiction. Add in the fact that there’s a Charles Dickens connection and I cracked. I read it. And reader, it was worth the reading. Not that it convinced me to rethink my animals-in-books opinions, but at least I may be a hair more open minded in the future . . . maybe.
The Cheshire Cheese Inn is a place of secrets. It seems that anyone who works or lives there has one. For Skilley the alleycat, his is a shame that has caused him to strike up a deal with the local mouse population that haunt the inn’s famous cheese production room. For Pip, his mouse friend, it has to do with the mysterious creature that lives amongst the mice, insisting on its own freedom. For the cook it’s a secret about the cheese, and for the barmaid the same. Only the famous writer Charles Dickens, a man that patronizes the inn, seems secret free. And yet, he too harbors a difficulty and a shame. It’ll take Skilley’s deal with Pip to set the spark that causes all these secrets to come to light, and it may possibly save the very monarchy of England as well!
As with any book starring the furry, it all comes down to personality. If you don't believe in the characters then you haven't anything to connect to. Here, the critters are infinitely interesting. Pip’s oversized vocabulary makes for a nice side element in the tale. If Skilley comes off as a kind of hired muscle, Pip is the brains behind the operation. From his first utterance of words like “sepulcher” and “perpetual internment” you can see that he is a cut above the general mouse population. Interestingly, once Pip start throwing out one hundred dollar words, the book follows suit. I caught words and phrases like “stygian darkness” bandied about without comment. It doesn't grate, though, and such words and phrases are understandable within context. By the way, I just referred to Skilley as a kind of thug, but in fact there are depths to him. I was particularly fond of a moment when Pip mentions that his family died in a cleaver-related accident. Thinks the cat, “Cleavers, in his experience, rarely acted alone.”
For the writing, you see, is quite good here. There are passages that lift it above the usual children’s literary pack. At one point Skilley has treated Pip abominably and he is told to own up to it. “It is not enough to say you are sorry. You must utterly own the terrible thing you have done. You must cast no blame on the one you’ve injured. Rather, accept every molecule of the responsibility, even if reason and self-preservation scream against it. Then, and only then, will the words ‘I am sorry’ have meaning.” That’s just a great passage (and not bad advice either).
And then we run into the inevitable question as to whether or not kids will get the Dickens references in this book. Will they understand that the great author himself is attempting to write the first sentence in A Tale of Two Cities? Will they appreciate that a cat with the personality of Bill Sykes is given the adorable name of Oliver by a deluded barmaid? Or that a delightful girl of questionable mortality goes by the name of Nell? Yeah, probably not. And you know what? Who cares? If the book’s storyline hinged on the reader getting these little elements then it might matter. It would also, in such a case, be a useless book for children. Far better to slide the little references in here and there. If a parent or a teacher reading this book with a kid wants to tell them what book they come from, that’s fantastic. But it’s hardly required knowledge.
I don’t know how to draw a mouse with an overbite. Do you? I don’t. Seems to me that a character like Pip would take a delicate hand. So Barry Moser’s work on this book is fantastic (as you would expect). It is also careful. He gives his animals a full range of personality and emotions without turning them into anthropomorphized cartoon characters. The mice look like mice, the cats cats, etc. His humans, for their part, are a perfect array of Dickensian character studies. They’re a little more caricature-ish, but then so are the people who populate Dickens’ books. Of these people, Moser's Nell is the most impressive. You look at her image and you instantly like her. You simply do. Somehow, the artist has managed to tap into something very real in this girl. You feel as though she’s based on a real person. One that lives and breathes. There’s just something about her.
I’m not sure how two authors go about collaborating on a book like this one. Deedy and Wright’s co-authorship has to be shared with Barry Moser’s fantastic images, though. Without these three working in tandem together the book would not be half as interesting as it is. This is a true collaboration. One that mixes history, animals, mystery, and literary references in abundance. Kids of all ages, genders, and stripes will take to the book. It also happens to make for a handsome readaloud. Recommend it to any child looking for just a good read. It is, precisely, that.
Ages 7-12.
The Cheshire Cheese Inn is a place of secrets. It seems that anyone who works or lives there has one. For Skilley the alleycat, his is a shame that has caused him to strike up a deal with the local mouse population that haunt the inn’s famous cheese production room. For Pip, his mouse friend, it has to do with the mysterious creature that lives amongst the mice, insisting on its own freedom. For the cook it’s a secret about the cheese, and for the barmaid the same. Only the famous writer Charles Dickens, a man that patronizes the inn, seems secret free. And yet, he too harbors a difficulty and a shame. It’ll take Skilley’s deal with Pip to set the spark that causes all these secrets to come to light, and it may possibly save the very monarchy of England as well!
As with any book starring the furry, it all comes down to personality. If you don't believe in the characters then you haven't anything to connect to. Here, the critters are infinitely interesting. Pip’s oversized vocabulary makes for a nice side element in the tale. If Skilley comes off as a kind of hired muscle, Pip is the brains behind the operation. From his first utterance of words like “sepulcher” and “perpetual internment” you can see that he is a cut above the general mouse population. Interestingly, once Pip start throwing out one hundred dollar words, the book follows suit. I caught words and phrases like “stygian darkness” bandied about without comment. It doesn't grate, though, and such words and phrases are understandable within context. By the way, I just referred to Skilley as a kind of thug, but in fact there are depths to him. I was particularly fond of a moment when Pip mentions that his family died in a cleaver-related accident. Thinks the cat, “Cleavers, in his experience, rarely acted alone.”
For the writing, you see, is quite good here. There are passages that lift it above the usual children’s literary pack. At one point Skilley has treated Pip abominably and he is told to own up to it. “It is not enough to say you are sorry. You must utterly own the terrible thing you have done. You must cast no blame on the one you’ve injured. Rather, accept every molecule of the responsibility, even if reason and self-preservation scream against it. Then, and only then, will the words ‘I am sorry’ have meaning.” That’s just a great passage (and not bad advice either).
And then we run into the inevitable question as to whether or not kids will get the Dickens references in this book. Will they understand that the great author himself is attempting to write the first sentence in A Tale of Two Cities? Will they appreciate that a cat with the personality of Bill Sykes is given the adorable name of Oliver by a deluded barmaid? Or that a delightful girl of questionable mortality goes by the name of Nell? Yeah, probably not. And you know what? Who cares? If the book’s storyline hinged on the reader getting these little elements then it might matter. It would also, in such a case, be a useless book for children. Far better to slide the little references in here and there. If a parent or a teacher reading this book with a kid wants to tell them what book they come from, that’s fantastic. But it’s hardly required knowledge.
I don’t know how to draw a mouse with an overbite. Do you? I don’t. Seems to me that a character like Pip would take a delicate hand. So Barry Moser’s work on this book is fantastic (as you would expect). It is also careful. He gives his animals a full range of personality and emotions without turning them into anthropomorphized cartoon characters. The mice look like mice, the cats cats, etc. His humans, for their part, are a perfect array of Dickensian character studies. They’re a little more caricature-ish, but then so are the people who populate Dickens’ books. Of these people, Moser's Nell is the most impressive. You look at her image and you instantly like her. You simply do. Somehow, the artist has managed to tap into something very real in this girl. You feel as though she’s based on a real person. One that lives and breathes. There’s just something about her.
I’m not sure how two authors go about collaborating on a book like this one. Deedy and Wright’s co-authorship has to be shared with Barry Moser’s fantastic images, though. Without these three working in tandem together the book would not be half as interesting as it is. This is a true collaboration. One that mixes history, animals, mystery, and literary references in abundance. Kids of all ages, genders, and stripes will take to the book. It also happens to make for a handsome readaloud. Recommend it to any child looking for just a good read. It is, precisely, that.
Ages 7-12.
July 30, 2014
In need of a mouser the Cheese inn takes on a cat. The cat doesn't like mice though. He eats cheese. So he strikes a bargain with the resident mice that he will live in harmony with them for a supply of cheese.
Until his nemesis moves in on his territory and strikes fear in the mice.
Cute little story. That sneaks in Charles Dickens as a author suffering from writer's block and is helped along by our furry friends.
Until his nemesis moves in on his territory and strikes fear in the mice.
Cute little story. That sneaks in Charles Dickens as a author suffering from writer's block and is helped along by our furry friends.
April 27, 2020
Not only is the subject matter of this book not my usual cup of tea, but I'm also just a tad outside of its intended audience age range. Regardless, when I saw "Cheshire Cheese," I wondered if it wasn't a reference to the super old London pub Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, which has been around since the 1600s. It is the same, and so I had to read it. As a bonus, The Cheshire Cheese Cat is also a historical-fiction. It's subtitle A Dickens of a Tale is a bit of a giveaway as to at least one of the historical personages whom appear within. Hmmm, I'd better cut this review short. I sensing my language is trending more Victorian than what's good for me. Suffice to say, Deedy's penned a cracking good read!
November 29, 2019
Recunosc am fost putin sceptica atunci cand m-am apucat sa citesc aceasta carte, pt ca stiam ca este una pentru copii, dar Dumnezeule, mi-a placut atat de mult...
Cartea asta este atat de draguta, incat cred cu tarie ca orice copil (chiar si adult, dupa cum se vede) se va indragosti de ea. Mi-a amintit putin de filmul cu soarecele bucatar.
Relatia pe care Pip si Skilley o incheaga este una pe cat de ciudata, pe atat de sincera. Mi se pare o poveste amuzanta, care vorbeste deschis despre prietenie, incredere si asumare.
Ok, m-ati prins, chiar mi-a placut carticica asta si abia astept sa i-o dau si lui fimiu la citit.
Chiar o recomand, atat copiilor cat si adultilor. 5 * pentru ca mi-a dat o stare de bine.
Cartea asta este atat de draguta, incat cred cu tarie ca orice copil (chiar si adult, dupa cum se vede) se va indragosti de ea. Mi-a amintit putin de filmul cu soarecele bucatar.
Relatia pe care Pip si Skilley o incheaga este una pe cat de ciudata, pe atat de sincera. Mi se pare o poveste amuzanta, care vorbeste deschis despre prietenie, incredere si asumare.
Ok, m-ati prins, chiar mi-a placut carticica asta si abia astept sa i-o dau si lui fimiu la citit.
Chiar o recomand, atat copiilor cat si adultilor. 5 * pentru ca mi-a dat o stare de bine.
October 11, 2019
Mie mi-a plăcut mult cartea. Are destulă acțiune, cât să mențină atenția micilor cititori, are personaje care sunt ușor de plăcut, dar mai ales mi-au plăcut mesajele. Cel mai important este adresat copiilor care se simt rușinați de ei, inferiori și complexați și simt nevoia să pretindă că sunt altfel pentru a fi acceptați. Da, uneori sunt nevoiți să facem și asta, ba chiar este recomandat. De exemplu, eu ador să merg desculță, dar normele societății, cioburile de pe drum și psihiatrii mă oblig să iau încălțări. Însă cel mai bine este să fim noi înșine. Odată ce noi ne acceptăm, celorlalți le va fi mult mai ușor decât credem. Recenzia aici: https://sandradeaconu.blogspot.com/20....
,,Numai viermii și insectele nu își amintesc păcatele trecute. Și numai oamenii pot alege să le ierte.''
,,Numai viermii și insectele nu își amintesc păcatele trecute. Și numai oamenii pot alege să le ierte.''
October 4, 2011
I don't really do animal stories. There are only two that I have ever read and desired to reread or read aloud to my children. (Charlotte's Web and The Tale of Despereaux) Now a third book can be added to this collection. I saw enough reviews praising The Chesire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale, some written by others also wary of animal stories, that I decided to give it a try. Really, the premise is hard to pass up even for someone like me who is jaded toward the genre. A cat who likes to eat cheese forms a partnership with an Inn full of mice, and then throw Charles Dickens in for good measure. I ask, who can resist that?
He was the Best of Toms. He was the worst of Toms. Fleet of foot, sleek and solitary, Skilley was a cat among cats. Or he would have been, but for a secret he had carried since his youth. A secret that caused him to live in hidden shame, avoiding even casual friendship lest anyone discover-
Skilley, a cat who hates the taste of mice and the feel of them going down, finds the perfect job as a mouser at the Ye Olde Chesire Cheese. He can appear to ferociously chase the mice and in reality eat the cheese. The problem is the cheese isn't so easy to get to for cat. When Skilley makes the acquaintance of an extraordinary mouse named Pip who figures out his secret they strike a deal. Skilley will protect the mice and the mice will provide him with the cheese they have ready access to. Simple enough until a mouse hating serving girl brings in another cat to help with the mouse problem, a vicious killer of a cat who is Skilley's arch nemesis. Then there is the Queen's injured raven being cared for by the mice that needs returning as well. Skilley and Pip have their work cut out for them, and not just when it comes to protecting the mice and helping the raven. They also must learn to confront the difficulties and obstacles they encounter in their most unlikely friendship.
There is lots to like here. The cast of characters is large and quirky, very fitting in a Victorian era novel that is a tribute to Dickens. The mice, the cats, the humans, and the raven are all brought to life vividly through the language of the story. I read an ARC of the book from NetGalley that did not contain the illustrations, and even without the pictures to help the words painted a clear picture of, not just the people, but also the time and place.
And this brings me to what I loved best about the book. The language. It is one of those books that would make a terrific read aloud, so you can savor every word. In fact it might actually work best as a read aloud. It is not just the words chosen but the rhythm of the sentences:
Then Maldwyn gathered himself and stood erect. Once more Skilley witnessed the rising majesty of a Tower raven. Even with his head averted, there was royalty in his form.
"You want the truth, Master Skilley? Find out what manner of cat you really are...and then brazenly, unabashedly, boldly, be that cat."
and
"You eat cheese." The words emerged from Pinch's clenched jaws with slow hiss.
So, he knows.
Skilley allowed himself an instant of surprise to savor how little he now cared. "Yes. I eat cheese. What's more, my truest friend in this friendless world is a mouse. And I would risk my life for him...
The way the theme of friendship is explored through all of the different relationships is another aspect of the book I quite enjoyed. Particularly when Skilley has hurt Pip and their friendship looks as though it might fall apart. Through the way these creatures interact with each other there are sage glimpses into human nature and relationships. The book is eminently quotable while not being preachy or becoming about any given message.
The average child who is reading this book is not going to get the Dickens references. But they don't have to. His character is portrayed in such a way that you don't have to know and understand his work to appreciate his role. For the adults who might read this book to and with children the allusions are an added amusement.
I very much enjoyed this and highly recommend it to anyone, not just lovers of animal tales. Clearly you don't have to be one of those to appreciate this book.
He was the Best of Toms. He was the worst of Toms. Fleet of foot, sleek and solitary, Skilley was a cat among cats. Or he would have been, but for a secret he had carried since his youth. A secret that caused him to live in hidden shame, avoiding even casual friendship lest anyone discover-
Skilley, a cat who hates the taste of mice and the feel of them going down, finds the perfect job as a mouser at the Ye Olde Chesire Cheese. He can appear to ferociously chase the mice and in reality eat the cheese. The problem is the cheese isn't so easy to get to for cat. When Skilley makes the acquaintance of an extraordinary mouse named Pip who figures out his secret they strike a deal. Skilley will protect the mice and the mice will provide him with the cheese they have ready access to. Simple enough until a mouse hating serving girl brings in another cat to help with the mouse problem, a vicious killer of a cat who is Skilley's arch nemesis. Then there is the Queen's injured raven being cared for by the mice that needs returning as well. Skilley and Pip have their work cut out for them, and not just when it comes to protecting the mice and helping the raven. They also must learn to confront the difficulties and obstacles they encounter in their most unlikely friendship.
There is lots to like here. The cast of characters is large and quirky, very fitting in a Victorian era novel that is a tribute to Dickens. The mice, the cats, the humans, and the raven are all brought to life vividly through the language of the story. I read an ARC of the book from NetGalley that did not contain the illustrations, and even without the pictures to help the words painted a clear picture of, not just the people, but also the time and place.
And this brings me to what I loved best about the book. The language. It is one of those books that would make a terrific read aloud, so you can savor every word. In fact it might actually work best as a read aloud. It is not just the words chosen but the rhythm of the sentences:
Then Maldwyn gathered himself and stood erect. Once more Skilley witnessed the rising majesty of a Tower raven. Even with his head averted, there was royalty in his form.
"You want the truth, Master Skilley? Find out what manner of cat you really are...and then brazenly, unabashedly, boldly, be that cat."
and
"You eat cheese." The words emerged from Pinch's clenched jaws with slow hiss.
So, he knows.
Skilley allowed himself an instant of surprise to savor how little he now cared. "Yes. I eat cheese. What's more, my truest friend in this friendless world is a mouse. And I would risk my life for him...
The way the theme of friendship is explored through all of the different relationships is another aspect of the book I quite enjoyed. Particularly when Skilley has hurt Pip and their friendship looks as though it might fall apart. Through the way these creatures interact with each other there are sage glimpses into human nature and relationships. The book is eminently quotable while not being preachy or becoming about any given message.
The average child who is reading this book is not going to get the Dickens references. But they don't have to. His character is portrayed in such a way that you don't have to know and understand his work to appreciate his role. For the adults who might read this book to and with children the allusions are an added amusement.
I very much enjoyed this and highly recommend it to anyone, not just lovers of animal tales. Clearly you don't have to be one of those to appreciate this book.
April 21, 2019
Me tuvo al borde de la emoción las últimas páginas y me imagine esa marea al titilar la lámpara de gas y la comprensión de los ahí presentes. Un final, que pudiera ser predecible más no para mi; los que se visten de héroes se lo ganaron a pulso y ganaron su reconocimiento.
Una lectura imperdible para todos los niños y uno que otro adulto que seguimos teniendo imaginación de niño. Con situaciones chuscas, otras nostálgicas y quizá rozando lo cruel y desesperante pero nada subido de tono.
¡Se me fue rapidísimo! Espero leer historias tan amenas como ésta =)
Una lectura imperdible para todos los niños y uno que otro adulto que seguimos teniendo imaginación de niño. Con situaciones chuscas, otras nostálgicas y quizá rozando lo cruel y desesperante pero nada subido de tono.
¡Se me fue rapidísimo! Espero leer historias tan amenas como ésta =)
February 6, 2017
Skilley est un chat londonien qui, friand de fromage, a préféré s'allier avec les souris qu'il était chargé de chasser. Mais bientôt arrive Pinch, un autre chat moins scrupuleux et bien décidé à s'assurer un confortable foyer. La situation se corse quand Skilley, déjà chargé de veiller sur ses amies souris, se voit aussi contraint d'assurer la sécurité d'un autre hôte que la fille de l'aubergiste a recueilli et caché dans le grenier...
Le chat qui ne mangeait pas de souris est un roman jeunesse écrit à quatre mains par Carmen Agra Deedy et Randall Wright. Idéalement destiné aux 10-12 ans, il sera également très apprécié des lecteurs adultes qui se délecteront des nombreuses références à Charles Dickens et autres grands écrivains britanniques de l'époque victorienne.
Là où les plus jeunes se réjouiront des querelles intestines qui opposent les souris contre les humains, les souris contre un chat mais aussi un chat contre un autre, les lecteurs avertis seront quant à eux davantage séduits par la façon dont cette sympathique petite intrigue animalière s'inscrit dans la réalité historique ! Au détour de deux courses poursuites dans les couloirs tortueux du Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (un établissement qui fait encore aujourd'hui figure d'institution parmi les pubs de Londres sur Fleet Street), on s'amusera de croiser parmi les plus fidèles habitués, des gens de lettres aussi célèbres qu'un Wilkie Collins ou un Charles Dickens en proie à une grande panne d'inspiration !
On ne manquera pas non plus de remarquer la référence au chat du Cheshire de Lewis Carrol, dans Alice au Pays des merveilles ! D'ailleurs, le roman de Carmen Agra Deedy et Randall Wright s'inscrit tout à fait dans la grande lignée de récits animaliers comme ceux de Dick King-Smith (Babe, le cochon devenu berger). Si les animaux y sont rois et leurs propos fortement teintés d'anthropomorphisme, impossible de ne pas frémir d'horreur à la vue de ses toutes petites souris impuissantes face à ce chat cruel et teigneux ! Impossible non plus de ne pas s'émouvoir de l'amitié improbable (mais sincère !) entre ce gros chat pas comme les autres et cette malicieuse petite souris ! C'est tellement mignon, tellement cheesy, qu'on se laisse complètement porter par ce récit tendre, à la fois plein de sagesse et de drôlerie !
Le chat qui ne mangeait pas de souris est un roman original et pétillant, plein d'humour et de gentillesse à conseiller à partir de 10 ou 12 ans. Une histoire réjouissante de drôlerie, de finesse et d'intelligence. Vous n'oublierez jamais Skilley, Pip et ses amis !
Le chat qui ne mangeait pas de souris est un roman jeunesse écrit à quatre mains par Carmen Agra Deedy et Randall Wright. Idéalement destiné aux 10-12 ans, il sera également très apprécié des lecteurs adultes qui se délecteront des nombreuses références à Charles Dickens et autres grands écrivains britanniques de l'époque victorienne.
Là où les plus jeunes se réjouiront des querelles intestines qui opposent les souris contre les humains, les souris contre un chat mais aussi un chat contre un autre, les lecteurs avertis seront quant à eux davantage séduits par la façon dont cette sympathique petite intrigue animalière s'inscrit dans la réalité historique ! Au détour de deux courses poursuites dans les couloirs tortueux du Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (un établissement qui fait encore aujourd'hui figure d'institution parmi les pubs de Londres sur Fleet Street), on s'amusera de croiser parmi les plus fidèles habitués, des gens de lettres aussi célèbres qu'un Wilkie Collins ou un Charles Dickens en proie à une grande panne d'inspiration !
On ne manquera pas non plus de remarquer la référence au chat du Cheshire de Lewis Carrol, dans Alice au Pays des merveilles ! D'ailleurs, le roman de Carmen Agra Deedy et Randall Wright s'inscrit tout à fait dans la grande lignée de récits animaliers comme ceux de Dick King-Smith (Babe, le cochon devenu berger). Si les animaux y sont rois et leurs propos fortement teintés d'anthropomorphisme, impossible de ne pas frémir d'horreur à la vue de ses toutes petites souris impuissantes face à ce chat cruel et teigneux ! Impossible non plus de ne pas s'émouvoir de l'amitié improbable (mais sincère !) entre ce gros chat pas comme les autres et cette malicieuse petite souris ! C'est tellement mignon, tellement cheesy, qu'on se laisse complètement porter par ce récit tendre, à la fois plein de sagesse et de drôlerie !
Le chat qui ne mangeait pas de souris est un roman original et pétillant, plein d'humour et de gentillesse à conseiller à partir de 10 ou 12 ans. Une histoire réjouissante de drôlerie, de finesse et d'intelligence. Vous n'oublierez jamais Skilley, Pip et ses amis !
September 25, 2011
London alley cat Skilley takes a job as mouser for Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a renowned chophouse and writers’ hangout. Unfortunately, Skilley prefers eating cheese to mice, and must form an uneasy alliance with the hordes of mice infesting the inn. Charles Dickens, a frequent visitor to the inn, observes the curious relationship between Skilley and the mice while he struggles to find an opening line for his latest novel. With appearances from a mean cat named Oliver to an injured Tower Raven to Queen Victoria herself, this book celebrates Victorian England, while introducing young readers to Dickens’ life and work. A book for all ages—adults will appreciate the word play and literary allusions and kids will adore the cats and mice.
June 15, 2019
Cual es el queso más sabroso, cual el favorito??, el mío es el queso "Chihuahua"; nunca he probado el queso"Cheshire", pero este librito me invita a hacerlo. Una taberna en donde se fabrica este peculiar queso, de origen Inglés y en este caso con un toque "especial", es el lugar de residencia de "Pip" el valiente ratoncito que logra lo innimaginable, aprender a leer y escribir!. Visitante asiduo de esa taberna es el Sr. Ch. DicKens, quien buscando una tema para su próximo libro recibe la insipiración por quién menos lo imaginaría. Deliciosa lectura narrada por el no menos extraño Skyller, un gato callejero que llega a esa taberna y logra hacerse amigo de los ratones que ahi vivien, ya que guarda un gran secreto. Para los amigos de los gatos, este cuento resulta en verdad agradable. Y el final .... es una clara y sorpresiva invitación para seguir leyendo a Dickens.
February 11, 2018
I read some heartfelt tributes to narrator Katherine Kellgren following her death in January 2018 and wanted to listen to an audiobook she had read. She brought to life this story of cats, mice, a raven from the Tower of London, and Charles Dickens. Lots of fun!
September 6, 2020
The range of voices on the audio was amazing but some were harsh. I’m not sure if children would know all the raven/Queen Victoria/Dickens and Oliver Twist and Tale of Two Cities references to make the story come alive for them. Still, I’ve dined at the Cheshire Cheese and the tale was fun.
May 4, 2023
I can't give this book enough praise. I highly expected to hate it but for various reasons felt obligated to read it. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! I can't wait to read it to my five-year-old. I read it in two days! So fun!
February 17, 2021
Skilley and Pinch two street cats fight for the territory of the Cheshire Cheese Inn. They are very different. Skilley befriends the mice and Pinch tries to kill them.
There is Maldwyn an injured raven that lives in a garret of the Inn. He is also friends with Skilley.
The main reason Skilley is at the Cheshire Cheese Inn, he like to eat cheese. It's the best in town.
A delightful book.
Kudos to the illustrator. The drawing are beautiful.
There is Maldwyn an injured raven that lives in a garret of the Inn. He is also friends with Skilley.
The main reason Skilley is at the Cheshire Cheese Inn, he like to eat cheese. It's the best in town.
A delightful book.
Kudos to the illustrator. The drawing are beautiful.
December 24, 2024
A fun children’s book read, especially after having had lunch at Ye Old Cheshire Cheese pub on my last visit to London! Reminds me somewhat of Martin’s Mice, which is one of my favorites.
January 31, 2016
Cheshire Cheese Cat
Children will take pleasure in reading this adventurous and humorous Victorian story set in London’s Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. It is a book whose main characters are animals and humans play the supporting roles. One of those humans being British author Charles Dickens. It is evident that Dickens and his works served as a great inspiration to the author. Some of the characters, like Nell and Pip, are named after some of Dickens’ own characters. Even though this is a chapter book, it does contain a few realistic looking illustrations of the scenes and characters in black and white. The book is full of figurative language including some well executed puns and idioms. Deedy’s clever play with words; as seen in Chapter 10 p. 34- 35, are delight to see and read. The book is also full of cliffhangers (the end of chap. 26 p.104, chapters 27 and 28) that are sure to keep a child’s attention. Children will surely enjoy this unexpected tale of two friends; Skilley, the inn’s new mouser cat, who befriends a mouse named Pip. Both cat and mouse hold secrets and embark on a dangerous adventure to save the royal raven.
My favorite character from The Cheshire Cheese Cat had to have been Pip the literate mouse with a spectacular vocabulary. Yes, mice are smart but Pip is a self-taught mouse that can communicate with mice, cats, ravens, and even humans. He is humorous, a good friend, and courageous. One of my favorite and most humorous scenes in the book is found in Chapters 37-38. As Pip tries to write the rescue letter all the animals are trying to hurry him. Pip tries to tell everyone that “words must have context.” When Pip leaves the room, the rest take on the task of finishing the letter which ends up looking like a lot like a random letter. The illustration shows the blood stain on the letter (from the meat) and it resembles a raven. This scene, the animal’s haste and insistence foreshadow that a surprising event will follow suit.
Children will take pleasure in reading this adventurous and humorous Victorian story set in London’s Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. It is a book whose main characters are animals and humans play the supporting roles. One of those humans being British author Charles Dickens. It is evident that Dickens and his works served as a great inspiration to the author. Some of the characters, like Nell and Pip, are named after some of Dickens’ own characters. Even though this is a chapter book, it does contain a few realistic looking illustrations of the scenes and characters in black and white. The book is full of figurative language including some well executed puns and idioms. Deedy’s clever play with words; as seen in Chapter 10 p. 34- 35, are delight to see and read. The book is also full of cliffhangers (the end of chap. 26 p.104, chapters 27 and 28) that are sure to keep a child’s attention. Children will surely enjoy this unexpected tale of two friends; Skilley, the inn’s new mouser cat, who befriends a mouse named Pip. Both cat and mouse hold secrets and embark on a dangerous adventure to save the royal raven.
My favorite character from The Cheshire Cheese Cat had to have been Pip the literate mouse with a spectacular vocabulary. Yes, mice are smart but Pip is a self-taught mouse that can communicate with mice, cats, ravens, and even humans. He is humorous, a good friend, and courageous. One of my favorite and most humorous scenes in the book is found in Chapters 37-38. As Pip tries to write the rescue letter all the animals are trying to hurry him. Pip tries to tell everyone that “words must have context.” When Pip leaves the room, the rest take on the task of finishing the letter which ends up looking like a lot like a random letter. The illustration shows the blood stain on the letter (from the meat) and it resembles a raven. This scene, the animal’s haste and insistence foreshadow that a surprising event will follow suit.
August 15, 2012
A cat who doesn't like mice, but loves cheese, becomes the mouser at the Cheshire Cheese Inn, an inn frequented by
Charles Dickens among other writers. The cat, Skilley, makes a deal with the mice. He doesn't eat them and they provide him with all the fine cheese he can eat. The plot, involving thousands of mice, a raven, another cat and numerous humans takes many twists and turns. All problems come to a head and are resolved when Queen Victoria
unexpectedly visits the Inn to find her missing raven.
This was a delightful story that in many ways reminded me of The Tale of Despereaux. I found this story to be more complex than Despereaux, but just as enjoyable. The connections to Dicken's A Tale of Two Cities was interesting. I feel that fourth/fifth graders would have a hard time making these connections because they wouldn't have learned much about Dickens yet.
The vocabulary in this book is challenging. There are many words that will not be familiar to fourth/fifth grade students. Vocabulary would need to be carefully pretaught to help students understand this book. After reading a few chapters, I did realize there was a glossary at the end of the book, which would be helpful to students.
A feature of the book I liked was the listing of characters and their descriptions at the beginning of the book. I think this is a great way to help readers become familiar with characters and what might happen in a book. I also think that creating a list like this for other books would be a great comprehension activity for students.
I mainly see this book being used with gifted/talented fourth or fifth grade students. I believe they would enjoy the challenging vocabulary, plot twists and connections to Dickens. Comparing this book to A Tale of Two Cities or The Tale of Despereaux would be a good extension for these students.
Charles Dickens among other writers. The cat, Skilley, makes a deal with the mice. He doesn't eat them and they provide him with all the fine cheese he can eat. The plot, involving thousands of mice, a raven, another cat and numerous humans takes many twists and turns. All problems come to a head and are resolved when Queen Victoria
unexpectedly visits the Inn to find her missing raven.
This was a delightful story that in many ways reminded me of The Tale of Despereaux. I found this story to be more complex than Despereaux, but just as enjoyable. The connections to Dicken's A Tale of Two Cities was interesting. I feel that fourth/fifth graders would have a hard time making these connections because they wouldn't have learned much about Dickens yet.
The vocabulary in this book is challenging. There are many words that will not be familiar to fourth/fifth grade students. Vocabulary would need to be carefully pretaught to help students understand this book. After reading a few chapters, I did realize there was a glossary at the end of the book, which would be helpful to students.
A feature of the book I liked was the listing of characters and their descriptions at the beginning of the book. I think this is a great way to help readers become familiar with characters and what might happen in a book. I also think that creating a list like this for other books would be a great comprehension activity for students.
I mainly see this book being used with gifted/talented fourth or fifth grade students. I believe they would enjoy the challenging vocabulary, plot twists and connections to Dickens. Comparing this book to A Tale of Two Cities or The Tale of Despereaux would be a good extension for these students.
December 22, 2011
I didn't dislike this as much as I was afraid I might--because what is worse than an animal story? An anthropomorphic animal story. Also, it's got to be among the WASPiest book I've ever read (though one of the authors is Cuban, so I don't know what point I'm trying to make). But the truly good writing saved it for me. And the fact that the cutesy playing with typesetting didn't extend beyond the first few pages. I thought I was going to have to put up with a whole book of text shaped like cat's tails, etc.
Should it win the Newbery? Well... I mean, no, but I need to put my finger on why. I've read books where the authors displayed far less facility with words. The pieces of the Newbery criteria are here. Strong depiction of setting and characters. The themes are done well enough, I guess. I'm least enthusiastic about the development of plot--I was just tired of the whole thing halfway through--but it does eventually work up to an interesting climax and resolution. I guess it loses points for dragging there in the middle.
At first I found the presence of Queen Victoria in the inn absurd, and not in a good way; not that the book is realistic, of course, but that seemed to strain the concept. In the end, the authors made it work. It was all just absurd enough to make sense, and having the queen really added to the story instead of just piling in famous characters.
I guess, overall... other than concerns about the plot dragging in the middle--subtraction of a couple of subplots might have helped there--I just didn't like it that much because it's an animal story. And because of the rarefied air around a book set in Victorian England with frequent allusions to Victorian literature.
Should it win the Newbery? Well... I mean, no, but I need to put my finger on why. I've read books where the authors displayed far less facility with words. The pieces of the Newbery criteria are here. Strong depiction of setting and characters. The themes are done well enough, I guess. I'm least enthusiastic about the development of plot--I was just tired of the whole thing halfway through--but it does eventually work up to an interesting climax and resolution. I guess it loses points for dragging there in the middle.
At first I found the presence of Queen Victoria in the inn absurd, and not in a good way; not that the book is realistic, of course, but that seemed to strain the concept. In the end, the authors made it work. It was all just absurd enough to make sense, and having the queen really added to the story instead of just piling in famous characters.
I guess, overall... other than concerns about the plot dragging in the middle--subtraction of a couple of subplots might have helped there--I just didn't like it that much because it's an animal story. And because of the rarefied air around a book set in Victorian England with frequent allusions to Victorian literature.
February 14, 2012
Skilley, the cat, has a secret. He hates to eat mice and loves cheese. He finds the perfect job at the Ye Olde Chesire Cheese Inn which makes the best cheese in the county. He makes a pact with the mice at the Inn where he pretends to kill them in exchange for them giving him cheese. Charles Dickens, the writer, goes to the Inn as well and is trying to write his novel, A Tale of Two Cities. He’s having a dickens of a time. When the barmaid brings home a vicious tomcat, who truly eats mice, and has a history of being Skilley’s enemy, things become complicated. Add to Skilley’s tangled mess a ghost in the Inn, cheese disappearing, and a raven who was injured by the tomcat and is owned by Queen Victoria, and you have a mystery that needs solving. Dickens helps in that department and also saves one mouse from the fate of being eaten. Grateful, the mice help him write the first line to his novel: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
The writing is terrific in this book and while kids aren’t going to get all of the references to Dickens works and characters, they will enjoy the story in itself (while the adults laugh). There is a fun twist at the end regarding the missing cheese. The characters in this book remind me of some of the Victorian characters in Dickens novel – especially the cook or the poor boy who first found Skilley. The theme of friendship and what happens when feelings are hurt is explored. A poignant part of the story is when Skilley has to apologize to his friend and he must do it in a heartfelt way. The chapters are short and it is a quick read. This would be a fun read aloud. Read it with great expectations.
The writing is terrific in this book and while kids aren’t going to get all of the references to Dickens works and characters, they will enjoy the story in itself (while the adults laugh). There is a fun twist at the end regarding the missing cheese. The characters in this book remind me of some of the Victorian characters in Dickens novel – especially the cook or the poor boy who first found Skilley. The theme of friendship and what happens when feelings are hurt is explored. A poignant part of the story is when Skilley has to apologize to his friend and he must do it in a heartfelt way. The chapters are short and it is a quick read. This would be a fun read aloud. Read it with great expectations.
January 25, 2013
A cat named Skilly meets up with a small mouse named pip, most stories end up with the cat chasing a mouse or the mouse to chasing the cat, like Tom & Jerry, but this story is different. Scilly and Pip protect each other. Scilly isn't fond of the taste of Mouse meet, but loves cheese. That's why in return of protecting the mouse colony, Scilly gets cheese From the Mice.
The reason I rated this three stars is because there's so many characters that you cant keep up with . Pinch, Pip, Skilly, Maldwyn are just a few they mentioned. It gets confusing towards the middle when they introduce more characters and you don't know which one is which. There is one part of the book where the words were shaped into stairs and cat tails which got me unfocused on the actual book.
The authors way Of animal communication and writing skills is a different way than I would have expected.For example, Pip Learned to read and write from a human. He's the only mouse who can do so, which makes him very intelligent. The human who taught him to read and write left Pip. He was obviously sad. I was sad too when I lost my cat. I just let him outside and he never came back. The next day I remember seeing a coyote and his stomach had a big lump in it.
Anyway, I think this book deserves three stars and I can't wait to finish it!
1-23-13
I had to rate this book four stars because the ending was awesome.
The reason I rated this three stars is because there's so many characters that you cant keep up with . Pinch, Pip, Skilly, Maldwyn are just a few they mentioned. It gets confusing towards the middle when they introduce more characters and you don't know which one is which. There is one part of the book where the words were shaped into stairs and cat tails which got me unfocused on the actual book.
The authors way Of animal communication and writing skills is a different way than I would have expected.For example, Pip Learned to read and write from a human. He's the only mouse who can do so, which makes him very intelligent. The human who taught him to read and write left Pip. He was obviously sad. I was sad too when I lost my cat. I just let him outside and he never came back. The next day I remember seeing a coyote and his stomach had a big lump in it.
Anyway, I think this book deserves three stars and I can't wait to finish it!
1-23-13
I had to rate this book four stars because the ending was awesome.
September 20, 2012
By Ella B.
I read a funny book, The Cheshire Cheese Cat, by Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright. It is a humor book set behind a restaurant. The story takes place in the past during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign.
The main character is a black cat named Skilley. Skilley is a pretty black female cat who loves to eat cheddar cheese and be with her best friend Pip. She is kind, helpful, and honest as shown when she offered a bite of cheese to Pip, and when she tried to find Pip when Pinch took him.
The story begins with Skilley meeting Pip, and Pip’s friends not trusting Skilley because they are afraid that Skilley will eat Pip. Skilley’s biggest problem is how to help the raven, Maldwyn, find his way back to the Tower of London. She meets Pip, a cute small mouse, and they find a way to cooperate; both of them are able to meet their unique needs. Next they keep trying to help the raven, Maldwyn, home but, in the mean time, they have to stay out of the way of the evil cat, Pinch.
Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright wrote this story to teach us to not judge people by how they look. I thought the book was ironic because the cat loved cheese and the mouse did not really care for cheese that much.
My favorite part was when they went to the cheese factory and were looking at all the different types of cheeses and they got locked in the cheese factory. I would recommend The Cheshire Cheese Cat to third grade to sixth graders who like cats and mice.
I read a funny book, The Cheshire Cheese Cat, by Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright. It is a humor book set behind a restaurant. The story takes place in the past during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign.
The main character is a black cat named Skilley. Skilley is a pretty black female cat who loves to eat cheddar cheese and be with her best friend Pip. She is kind, helpful, and honest as shown when she offered a bite of cheese to Pip, and when she tried to find Pip when Pinch took him.
The story begins with Skilley meeting Pip, and Pip’s friends not trusting Skilley because they are afraid that Skilley will eat Pip. Skilley’s biggest problem is how to help the raven, Maldwyn, find his way back to the Tower of London. She meets Pip, a cute small mouse, and they find a way to cooperate; both of them are able to meet their unique needs. Next they keep trying to help the raven, Maldwyn, home but, in the mean time, they have to stay out of the way of the evil cat, Pinch.
Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright wrote this story to teach us to not judge people by how they look. I thought the book was ironic because the cat loved cheese and the mouse did not really care for cheese that much.
My favorite part was when they went to the cheese factory and were looking at all the different types of cheeses and they got locked in the cheese factory. I would recommend The Cheshire Cheese Cat to third grade to sixth graders who like cats and mice.
May 20, 2012
First Impression: I felt like I won the lottery when I found that Katherine Kellgren was narrating this wonderful looking middle grade novel. I'd been meaning to read this one because of the Dickens reference and finally had the chance to listen to it on audiobook from the library.
While Reading: I just love Kellgren's narration. The story is a fun one, about an alley cat who does not actually like to eat mice, but cheese instead. So when he is given the opportunity to earn his keep at the famous Cheshire Cheese Inn, he fakes his way into seeming like he is catching mice. In actuality, he has made a deal with them to not eat them, in return for some cheese.
But, there is more going on than just that. A raven is staying at the Inn as well, and he has a story that will change the lives of all that meet him. And there is Charles Dickens, who is the other narrator of this story. He is trying to find a first line for his latest book when he finds himself intrigued by Skilley, a cat who is more than what he seems to be.
Verdict: I just loved how this story was inter-weaved into a few different tales and how it all comes crashing down at the end in a scene that is unforgettable. Definitely a story I will not be forgetting soon.
August 4, 2014
"He was the best of toms. He was the worst of toms."
Skilley the cat finds a sweet new gig for himself at the Cheshire Cheese tavern, where the finest cheese in all of England is made... and where they have a real problem with mice. Unfortunately for the Cheese's employees and patrons (a cadre that includes Charles Dickens himself), Skilley secretly hates the taste of mice. In fact... he prefers cheese. Through some unusual friendships and not-so-unusual rivalries, Skilley and others learn about themselves, learn how to get along, learn what's important, and save the day (and even meet the Queen) in this smartly written young adult novel.
If you enjoy adding to your vocabulary (or your kids' vocabularies) in an easy-to-read manner a la Lemony Snicket, you should check out this book. It's a quick and entertaining read, even for adults. The occasional artwork is nice too, and this could be a great introduction to Dickensian stories for a younger audience.
See also the book's website: http://cheshirecheesecat.com/
Skilley the cat finds a sweet new gig for himself at the Cheshire Cheese tavern, where the finest cheese in all of England is made... and where they have a real problem with mice. Unfortunately for the Cheese's employees and patrons (a cadre that includes Charles Dickens himself), Skilley secretly hates the taste of mice. In fact... he prefers cheese. Through some unusual friendships and not-so-unusual rivalries, Skilley and others learn about themselves, learn how to get along, learn what's important, and save the day (and even meet the Queen) in this smartly written young adult novel.
If you enjoy adding to your vocabulary (or your kids' vocabularies) in an easy-to-read manner a la Lemony Snicket, you should check out this book. It's a quick and entertaining read, even for adults. The occasional artwork is nice too, and this could be a great introduction to Dickensian stories for a younger audience.
See also the book's website: http://cheshirecheesecat.com/
July 27, 2017
Picking up this novel, I was expecting a lovely tale of unlikely friendship and courage, in the vein of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, after all this book has been nominated for several awards, alas it was a disappointment. My avid reader son and I set it aside just past the halfway mark. I realised that this book was written to appeal to adults rather than children (e.g. the references to Dickens and other literary figures would flow over young readers’ heads), the story is quite predictable, lacking any real thrill, the dialogues so corny.
I am surprised at the amount of high ratings this book has received, although not without its charms (I loved the illustrations), to me it’s a novel that it is trying too hard to be cute. DNF.
I am surprised at the amount of high ratings this book has received, although not without its charms (I loved the illustrations), to me it’s a novel that it is trying too hard to be cute. DNF.
July 25, 2025
A fun little tale of eccentricity
I read The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale ten years ago (28-Nov-2012). It has fared better in my memory than many books I read ten years ago. I don't remember any details of the plot. (Thus you are safe from spoilers.) I do, however, remember the characters -- a cat who doesn't want to eat mice, but likes cheese, and an erudite mouse who becomes his friend. As someone who has occasionally been made to suffer for being eccentric (or "weird", as kids these days say it), I appreciated this point of view.
Blog review.
I read The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale ten years ago (28-Nov-2012). It has fared better in my memory than many books I read ten years ago. I don't remember any details of the plot. (Thus you are safe from spoilers.) I do, however, remember the characters -- a cat who doesn't want to eat mice, but likes cheese, and an erudite mouse who becomes his friend. As someone who has occasionally been made to suffer for being eccentric (or "weird", as kids these days say it), I appreciated this point of view.
Blog review.
March 28, 2011
Skilley, Pip and Maldwyn seem to be friends or can they be? They all live at the Cheshire Inn. Skilley to catch the mice, Pip a mouse that doesn't want to be caught and Maldwyn a raven that would love nothing better than to be back in the Queens Tower. Will natural instincts take over when push comes to shove or can this unlikely trio stay friends.
Carmen Deedy takes a classic tale of cat and mouse, adds the need for survival and friendship against odds that are stacked against them and you have a wonderful tale.
The Cheshire Cheese Cat is a quick read, but will hold the attention of a younger audience.
Carmen Deedy takes a classic tale of cat and mouse, adds the need for survival and friendship against odds that are stacked against them and you have a wonderful tale.
The Cheshire Cheese Cat is a quick read, but will hold the attention of a younger audience.
Read
April 9, 2012An cat (that doesn't eat mice, but prefers cheese!) and Charles Dickens, plus Katherine Kellgren narrating? I was SO excited. Alas, this just didn't do it for me. I listened to the first disc and found parts entertaining (esp. Dickens' journals and some of the descriptions of the cat, so apt!) but overall it just didn't capture my interest. Also, much as I have loved Katherine Kellgren's narration in the past, I found her voice for Pip the rat and also for the cook very annoying and hard to listen to :-( Even on a road trip, and with the hub-bub of the Dickens bicentenary, I didn't feel compelled to put in Disc 2.
November 27, 2012
I have recently read Carmen Agra Deedy'S The Chesire Cheese Cat.
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It was an okay book ecept I would have liked it better if it was from the point of view of a himan being. In this book thare is a cat that doesent like mice and eats cheese. The cat befriends the mice and saves some of their lives. I dont think this is true to the charactar because my cat loves cat food with meat in it and if he could hunt and hadent been declawed he would love catching mice and birds. All in all it was an ok book.
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It was an okay book ecept I would have liked it better if it was from the point of view of a himan being. In this book thare is a cat that doesent like mice and eats cheese. The cat befriends the mice and saves some of their lives. I dont think this is true to the charactar because my cat loves cat food with meat in it and if he could hunt and hadent been declawed he would love catching mice and birds. All in all it was an ok book.
July 16, 2014
I am 46 years old, and I am well aware that I am no where near the target audience for this. But I loved it. Skilley as drawn by Moser looks like my Luna, there's Dickens working on a novel, there's a lot about cheese, there's an unusual little girl and an even more unusual mouse. Loved it! Definitely go for a bound version, because the art really adds to the whole, as do amusing little typesetting jokes. A whole book about loving cheese! It would be fun to read this along with Anatole and the Cat.
Library copy to enjoy pictures
Netgalley copy to review
Library copy to enjoy pictures
Netgalley copy to review
February 14, 2012
I enjoyed this little tale. The inclusion of Mr. Shakespeare made it quite entertaining, especially with his attitude toward what was going on in the inn, and everyone else seemed to be clueless about it.
The villains in the story were quite ruthless, which gave it an air of foreboding, but in a way that even young readers would find entertaining and somewhat lighthearted. Although, I felt a little squeamish at times with the fate of many of the residents.
Overall, an enjoyable read, and I would not hesitate to pick up another book by the same author.
The villains in the story were quite ruthless, which gave it an air of foreboding, but in a way that even young readers would find entertaining and somewhat lighthearted. Although, I felt a little squeamish at times with the fate of many of the residents.
Overall, an enjoyable read, and I would not hesitate to pick up another book by the same author.
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