In "Dixie Kitten" by Eva March Tappan, readers are transported into the world of a charming and adventurous feline named Dixie. Written in a light and engaging style, the book follows Dixie as she navigates through various escapades and encounters in her daily life. Tappan's vivid descriptions and playful narrative make this an enjoyable read for both children and adults, showcasing the importance of curiosity and resilience in the face of challenges. Set against the backdrop of a quaint Southern town, the book offers a glimpse into a bygone era, capturing the essence of simpler times and the bond between humans and animals. Tappan's attention to detail and character development make Dixie's journey both relatable and heartwarming, leaving readers with a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Eva March Tappan, a prolific writer and educator, draws upon her passion for storytelling and animal companionship to craft a timeless tale that resonates with audiences of all ages. Her love for animals and her keen observational skills shine through in her depiction of Dixie, making her a memorable and endearing protagonist. Recommended for those seeking a delightful escape into a world filled with whimsy, friendship, and memorable adventures, "Dixie Kitten" is a timeless classic that will leave a lasting impression on readers.
Eva March Tappan was a teacher and American author born in Blackstone, Massachusetts, the only child of Reverend Edmund March Tappan and Lucretia Logée. Eva graduated from Vassar College in 1875. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and an editor of the Vassar Miscellany. After leaving Vassar she began teaching at Wheaton College where she taught Latin and German from 1875 until 1880. From 1884–94 she was the Associate Principal at the Raymond Academy in Camden, New Jersey. She received graduate degrees in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania. Tappan was the head of the English department at the English High School at Worcester, Massachusetts. She began her literary career writing about famous characters in history and developed an interest in writing children books. Tappan never married.
Dixie Kitten is one of those short books I like to pick up and read when I cannot fall asleep, which is how I came to read it.
In this children’s book published September 1910, Dixie Kitten is “a slender little cat with the softest, silkiest black fur imaginable. . . . [with] gleams of tawny yellow. . . . Her whiskers, all except two, were jet black, but those two were snowy white. . . . Three of her paws were black and one was yellow.”
This short story begins with the birth of the kitten and her growing-up months, with Mothercat feeding Dixie Kitten, cuddling her, and swatting her when she misbehaved. The kitten grows into a cat, and without revealing most of this story, Dixie has various adventures.
There is a dog or two in this story, which I liked, and although the story hints at dogs and cats not getting along, I know that some do, and very well – such as my two dogs and my cat. Best buddies, they are.
Dixie Kitten is a cute story that is good for kids and adults alike, for it is nice escapism to a more serene world. Moreoever, Eva March Tappan wrote with such ease and smoothness that I can imagine her telling this story instead of me reading it. I found that I havethe same thoughts on her writing style when I read another book of hers, The Little Book of the Flag.
Dixie Kitten opens with the declaration, "This is a true story about a real cat and it ends happily," which sums it up nicely. It's a little cutesy -- the humans get names like "Master," "Mistress," "Lady" and "Somebody Else" -- but not intolerably so. I should try more books by this author.