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Tabby McTat (Early Reader)
Tabby McTat is a busker's cat. He loves his life with Fred, singing along as people throw coins in their hat. Then one day, Fred has an accident, and the two are separated. How will they ever find each other again?
40 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
16 people are currently reading
813 people want to read
About the author
Julia Donaldson
1,224 books1,874 followersGrowing up
I grew up in a tall Victorian London house with my parents, grandmother, aunt, uncle, younger sister Mary and cat Geoffrey (who was really a prince in disguise. Mary and I would argue about which of us would marry him).
Mary and I were always creating imaginary characters and mimicking real ones, and I used to write shows and choreograph ballets for us. A wind-up gramophone wafted out Chopin waltzes.
I studied Drama and French at Bristol University, where I met Malcolm, a guitar-playing medic to whom I’m now married.
Busking and books
Before Malcolm and I had our three sons we used to go busking together and I would write special songs for each country; the best one was in Italian about pasta.
The busking led to a career in singing and songwriting, mainly for children’s television. I became an expert at writing to order on such subjects as guinea pigs, window-cleaning and horrible smells. “We want a song about throwing crumpled-up wrapping paper into the bin” was a typical request from the BBC.
I also continued to write “grown-up” songs and perform them in folk clubs and on the radio, and have recently released two CDs of these songs.
One of my television songs, A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE, was made into a book in 1993, with illustrations by the wonderful Axel Scheffler. It was great to hold the book in my hand without it vanishing in the air the way the songs did. This prompted me to unearth some plays I’d written for a school reading group, and since then I’ve had 20 plays published. Most children love acting and it’s a tremendous way to improve their reading.
My real breakthrough was THE GRUFFALO, again illustrated by Axel. We work separately - he’s in London and I’m in Glasgow - but he sends me letters with lovely funny pictures on the envelopes.
I really enjoy writing verse, even though it can be fiendishly difficult. I used to memorise poems as a child and it means a lot to me when parents tell me their child can recite one of my books.
Funnily enough, I find it harder to write not in verse, though I feel I am now getting the hang of it! My novel THE GIANTS AND THE JONESES is going to be made into a film by the same team who made the Harry Potter movies, and I have written three books of stories about the anarchic PRINCESS MIRROR-BELLE who appears from the mirror and disrupts the life of an otherwise ordinary eight-year-old. I have just finished writing a novel for teenagers.
When I’m not writing I am often performing, at book festivals and in theatres. I really enjoy getting the children in the audience to help me act out the stories and sing the songs. When Malcolm can take time off from the hospital he and his guitar come too. and it feels as if we’ve come full circle - back to busking.
I grew up in a tall Victorian London house with my parents, grandmother, aunt, uncle, younger sister Mary and cat Geoffrey (who was really a prince in disguise. Mary and I would argue about which of us would marry him).
Mary and I were always creating imaginary characters and mimicking real ones, and I used to write shows and choreograph ballets for us. A wind-up gramophone wafted out Chopin waltzes.
I studied Drama and French at Bristol University, where I met Malcolm, a guitar-playing medic to whom I’m now married.
Busking and books
Before Malcolm and I had our three sons we used to go busking together and I would write special songs for each country; the best one was in Italian about pasta.
The busking led to a career in singing and songwriting, mainly for children’s television. I became an expert at writing to order on such subjects as guinea pigs, window-cleaning and horrible smells. “We want a song about throwing crumpled-up wrapping paper into the bin” was a typical request from the BBC.
I also continued to write “grown-up” songs and perform them in folk clubs and on the radio, and have recently released two CDs of these songs.
One of my television songs, A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE, was made into a book in 1993, with illustrations by the wonderful Axel Scheffler. It was great to hold the book in my hand without it vanishing in the air the way the songs did. This prompted me to unearth some plays I’d written for a school reading group, and since then I’ve had 20 plays published. Most children love acting and it’s a tremendous way to improve their reading.
My real breakthrough was THE GRUFFALO, again illustrated by Axel. We work separately - he’s in London and I’m in Glasgow - but he sends me letters with lovely funny pictures on the envelopes.
I really enjoy writing verse, even though it can be fiendishly difficult. I used to memorise poems as a child and it means a lot to me when parents tell me their child can recite one of my books.
Funnily enough, I find it harder to write not in verse, though I feel I am now getting the hang of it! My novel THE GIANTS AND THE JONESES is going to be made into a film by the same team who made the Harry Potter movies, and I have written three books of stories about the anarchic PRINCESS MIRROR-BELLE who appears from the mirror and disrupts the life of an otherwise ordinary eight-year-old. I have just finished writing a novel for teenagers.
When I’m not writing I am often performing, at book festivals and in theatres. I really enjoy getting the children in the audience to help me act out the stories and sing the songs. When Malcolm can take time off from the hospital he and his guitar come too. and it feels as if we’ve come full circle - back to busking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
April 30, 2024
3,5 Sterne
Wieder ein schönes Buch von Axel Scheffler und Julia Donaldson, in dem es diesmal um einen Kater geht, der an der Seite eines Straßensängers ein glückliches Leben führt, bis dieser sich das Bein bricht...
💜 Eine schöne Geschichte erzählt in Reimform, in der es um Freundschaft und Treue geht. Hat mir sehr gut gefallen.
Wieder ein schönes Buch von Axel Scheffler und Julia Donaldson, in dem es diesmal um einen Kater geht, der an der Seite eines Straßensängers ein glückliches Leben führt, bis dieser sich das Bein bricht...
💜 Eine schöne Geschichte erzählt in Reimform, in der es um Freundschaft und Treue geht. Hat mir sehr gut gefallen.
May 14, 2019
Engaging and emotive illustrations in this story of friendship, family, and appreciating differences. A nice rhythm and musical inclination make this a good read aloud story.
June 22, 2020
Another enjoyable picture book by the ever reliable Donaldson and Scheffler.
Tabby spends his time busking with Fred, that was until one fatal moring when Tabby takes a stroll and meets Sock.
Realise he's spent too much time with her, the cat is unable to find Fred.
Tabby has not forgotten his past even though his content with Sock and their kittens, be dreams of being reunited with his old pal Fred.
There was a really A Street Cat Named Bob: The Amazing True Story of One Man and His Cat vibe with this one, Tabby must have felt really guilty having left Fred on his own that morning!
Tabby spends his time busking with Fred, that was until one fatal moring when Tabby takes a stroll and meets Sock.
Realise he's spent too much time with her, the cat is unable to find Fred.
Tabby has not forgotten his past even though his content with Sock and their kittens, be dreams of being reunited with his old pal Fred.
There was a really A Street Cat Named Bob: The Amazing True Story of One Man and His Cat vibe with this one, Tabby must have felt really guilty having left Fred on his own that morning!
May 20, 2019
Simply beautiful!
A story that highlights the importance of friendship, devotion and loyalty. But also diversity.
Tabby is seperated by his friend and "owner" when the bohemian street artist needs to be hospitalized. Tabby falls in love with another kitty cat that belongs to two ladies who live together. Then he becomes a dad but he never forgets his old friend.
A story that highlights the importance of friendship, devotion and loyalty. But also diversity.
Tabby is seperated by his friend and "owner" when the bohemian street artist needs to be hospitalized. Tabby falls in love with another kitty cat that belongs to two ladies who live together. Then he becomes a dad but he never forgets his old friend.
June 18, 2023
Babysitting my nephews (5 and 8). Took them to bed at different times they both ended up choosing the same book to read. I go from Tabby McTat being one of the few Donaldson books I had yet to read, to reading it twice within half an hour.
July 22, 2024
Tabby McTat was a busker's cat who accompanied his master, Fred, on his various gigs in a particular spot in the street. And while with him 'the two of them sang of this and that' with the last line of one of their ditties being 'How PURRRR-fectly happy we are' ... and they were.
Then one day while Fred was eating a bacon sandwich Tabby went for a stroll and he met 'a gorgeously glossy and green-eyed' cat called Sock. They took an instant liking to each other and while they were chatting, elsewhere, Fred was robbed of his takings and, chasing the robber, he fell and was taken to hospital. Thus when Tabby returned to his spot there was no sign of Fred.
Some time later, when Tabby was looking very thin, Sock discovered him and on learning that his partner had disappeared, took him to her home where he was taken in. Fred was released from hospital and returned to his pitch only to find a band playing there but more importantly, he discovered that Tabby was not there.
Tabby was leading a full life in his new home but he still returned to the spot where he and Fred used to play but every time he went there was some other entertainment taking place. Then, back at home, Sock had three kittens, two black and white ones and one that looked just like Tabby that they named Samuel Sprat. Two of the kittens were re-homed but Samuel stayed with his parents.
Tabby continued to look for Fred and then one day he discovered him playing in a different location; Tabby was so pleased to be reunited with him and Fred was likewise with Tabby. But Tabby felt a twinge of sadness for he was 'missing his wife and his comfortable life' ,,, that is until the problem was solved in an unusual way by the arrival of Samuel Sprat ...
Beautifully illustrated and well told, 'Tabby McTat' is a delightful book to read.
Then one day while Fred was eating a bacon sandwich Tabby went for a stroll and he met 'a gorgeously glossy and green-eyed' cat called Sock. They took an instant liking to each other and while they were chatting, elsewhere, Fred was robbed of his takings and, chasing the robber, he fell and was taken to hospital. Thus when Tabby returned to his spot there was no sign of Fred.
Some time later, when Tabby was looking very thin, Sock discovered him and on learning that his partner had disappeared, took him to her home where he was taken in. Fred was released from hospital and returned to his pitch only to find a band playing there but more importantly, he discovered that Tabby was not there.
Tabby was leading a full life in his new home but he still returned to the spot where he and Fred used to play but every time he went there was some other entertainment taking place. Then, back at home, Sock had three kittens, two black and white ones and one that looked just like Tabby that they named Samuel Sprat. Two of the kittens were re-homed but Samuel stayed with his parents.
Tabby continued to look for Fred and then one day he discovered him playing in a different location; Tabby was so pleased to be reunited with him and Fred was likewise with Tabby. But Tabby felt a twinge of sadness for he was 'missing his wife and his comfortable life' ,,, that is until the problem was solved in an unusual way by the arrival of Samuel Sprat ...
Beautifully illustrated and well told, 'Tabby McTat' is a delightful book to read.
October 7, 2012
Tabby McTat is the story of a busker’s cat with a strong and loud meow. The busker, Fred, and Tabby McTat have a special friendship and enjoy singing together as people throw coins into Fred’s old hat. The two are separated when Fred has an accident and Tabby McTat, thinking he has been abandoned takes up a new, comfortable life whilst longing for his master. In lyrical style, the story of Tabby McTat and Fred’s reunion is brought to a satisfying and heart-warming conclusion.
The witty rhymes are perfect for reading aloud and the bold, colourful illustrations bring the story to life beautifully. Whilst the words, like a song, will stick in your mind, the images draw you in with their humour and depth of detail.
I first read this book to my 6 year old goddaughter, who had read it in school and been asked by her teacher to create a lost poster for Tabby McTat. She loved it! I have since added to my bulging collection of Julia Donaldson books by buying it for my 3 year old son. He also enjoys it, although not as much as The Gruffalo. Perhaps because Tabby McTat is a little more wordy and a little less light-hearted. The characters, particularly Tabby McTat are endearing and fun, but the issues of separation and abandonment give the book a little more depth of emotion.
This would be a great book to read aloud at Early Years Foundation Stage and would be perfect for getting the class to join in and sing along. It could also be a great introduction to rhyme and poetry and for 6-7 year olds to read themselves.
This is another wonderful book that I will enjoy reading again and again from Julia Donaldson.
The witty rhymes are perfect for reading aloud and the bold, colourful illustrations bring the story to life beautifully. Whilst the words, like a song, will stick in your mind, the images draw you in with their humour and depth of detail.
I first read this book to my 6 year old goddaughter, who had read it in school and been asked by her teacher to create a lost poster for Tabby McTat. She loved it! I have since added to my bulging collection of Julia Donaldson books by buying it for my 3 year old son. He also enjoys it, although not as much as The Gruffalo. Perhaps because Tabby McTat is a little more wordy and a little less light-hearted. The characters, particularly Tabby McTat are endearing and fun, but the issues of separation and abandonment give the book a little more depth of emotion.
This would be a great book to read aloud at Early Years Foundation Stage and would be perfect for getting the class to join in and sing along. It could also be a great introduction to rhyme and poetry and for 6-7 year olds to read themselves.
This is another wonderful book that I will enjoy reading again and again from Julia Donaldson.
April 22, 2020
The Julia Donaldson-Axel Scheffler combo is one of the absolute faves of Miss 2 and I - not just the well-known Gruffalo, but others tales like Room on the Broom, Zog, and many more. This is another good tale from the pair, but for us it didn't hit the heights of the other books. The text in particular, while good, didn't flow as well rhythm wise, even though it rhymed in interesting ways. This affected the 'read aloud' factor. The illustrations were top-notch, and the underlying story is still a good one. A solid rather than spectacular effort from two of the best in the business.
Read
March 16, 2018Using this for Goodreads reads challenge because I'm falling behind. I read this to a kid yesterday and I have to say kids are so lucky they get books like this. The rhyme and meaning behind this book is wonderful.
January 7, 2010
I will read this book to my kids as many times as they like. Even consecutively.
July 14, 2014
Tabby McTat works with Fred, a busker. While Tabby's off exploring one day Fred is in an accident and goes to the hospital. Don't worry: Tabby lands on his feet, of course, and he is eventually reunited with his human chum.
Well done. Donaldson manages to get us thinking about a fearful separation without worrying too much, by keeping us focused on Tabby, rather than Fred.
I must point out that although Scheffler's illustrations for Old Possum's couldn't sway me from my Gorey nostalgia, he did completely win me here. The cats and the art style fit beautifully with the story, enhancing it, creating an atmosphere both urban and a little naive.
Library copy
Well done. Donaldson manages to get us thinking about a fearful separation without worrying too much, by keeping us focused on Tabby, rather than Fred.
I must point out that although Scheffler's illustrations for Old Possum's couldn't sway me from my Gorey nostalgia, he did completely win me here. The cats and the art style fit beautifully with the story, enhancing it, creating an atmosphere both urban and a little naive.
Library copy
April 21, 2022
This was a nice cute story about a cat who finds and makes his own family while still thinking about his old friend with whom he sang with on the streets.
February 18, 2021
So I really love picture books by Julia Donaldson.
As with the rhyming and all that but this one was long and sometimes the rhymes didn’t make much sense.
As with the rhyming and all that but this one was long and sometimes the rhymes didn’t make much sense.
August 21, 2017
3.5
Another lyrical and fun read from Julia Donaldson, one of my favourite children's authors. Finn loves to listen to anything this lady creates, particularly The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child and A Squash and a Squeeze.
This is a story about a busker's cat, about music, and about losing each other and finding each other again. A melodic and engaging read.
Another lyrical and fun read from Julia Donaldson, one of my favourite children's authors. Finn loves to listen to anything this lady creates, particularly The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child and A Squash and a Squeeze.
This is a story about a busker's cat, about music, and about losing each other and finding each other again. A melodic and engaging read.
June 29, 2013
I currently work in a Primary School in a year 1 class and have come to really enjoy Julia Donaldson books which make a regular appearance during story time at the end of the day.
The book starts off happily with a busker and his cat who perform a song together on the street. The story then takes a slightly darker turn when the busker lands himself in hospital after injuring his head whilst trying to catch a thief who had run off with his takings for the day. The cat then returns to find that the busker is not there anymore and does not return causing great sadness to the cat, Tabby McTat.
Tabby McTat is then take in by the owners of a female cat that he has befriended, meanwhile the busker returns to find that his feline friend is nowhere to be found. Tabby McTat goes on to settle into his new home happily and even have kittens however does not forget the good times he shared with the busker.
Tabby McTat one day comes across the busker and they rejoice and start busking again however Tabby realises that maybe this is not the life for him anymore and misses his life at home. There is indeed a happy ending, when Tabbys son, a kitten who did not managed to be sold to new owners decided that HE wants to be the buskers cat instead.
I am definitely a cat person and I really felt quite sad when Tabby McTat is sulking around looking for his owner. I must say that Axel Sheflers drawings are fantastic. They are amazing and make it clear for children to depict what is happening. The sad face on Tabby Mctat was also something that touched home for me seeing as I am a cat freak!
Although a brilliant story for the year 1s that it was read to, It also has a slightly more grown up message to it, where something you once thought was maybe ideal for you isn't so ideal anymore. This is illustrated where Tabby Mctat, although happy and settled into his new life with new owners still misses his first owner but when reunited, he realises that perhaps the busking life he missed so much isn't really for him anymore and has grown up from the carefree cat he once was before moving into a home with his lady love and new owners.
This obviously would not be a happy ending for a children's book, Thus Tabbys son, a kitten that nobody wanted because of his incredibly loud 'meow' is happy to replace him as the Buskers cat and his loud 'meow' serves a good purpose as a result.
An excellent story in my opinion, and one that I would definitely have on my classroom shelf.
The book starts off happily with a busker and his cat who perform a song together on the street. The story then takes a slightly darker turn when the busker lands himself in hospital after injuring his head whilst trying to catch a thief who had run off with his takings for the day. The cat then returns to find that the busker is not there anymore and does not return causing great sadness to the cat, Tabby McTat.
Tabby McTat is then take in by the owners of a female cat that he has befriended, meanwhile the busker returns to find that his feline friend is nowhere to be found. Tabby McTat goes on to settle into his new home happily and even have kittens however does not forget the good times he shared with the busker.
Tabby McTat one day comes across the busker and they rejoice and start busking again however Tabby realises that maybe this is not the life for him anymore and misses his life at home. There is indeed a happy ending, when Tabbys son, a kitten who did not managed to be sold to new owners decided that HE wants to be the buskers cat instead.
I am definitely a cat person and I really felt quite sad when Tabby McTat is sulking around looking for his owner. I must say that Axel Sheflers drawings are fantastic. They are amazing and make it clear for children to depict what is happening. The sad face on Tabby Mctat was also something that touched home for me seeing as I am a cat freak!
Although a brilliant story for the year 1s that it was read to, It also has a slightly more grown up message to it, where something you once thought was maybe ideal for you isn't so ideal anymore. This is illustrated where Tabby Mctat, although happy and settled into his new life with new owners still misses his first owner but when reunited, he realises that perhaps the busking life he missed so much isn't really for him anymore and has grown up from the carefree cat he once was before moving into a home with his lady love and new owners.
This obviously would not be a happy ending for a children's book, Thus Tabbys son, a kitten that nobody wanted because of his incredibly loud 'meow' is happy to replace him as the Buskers cat and his loud 'meow' serves a good purpose as a result.
An excellent story in my opinion, and one that I would definitely have on my classroom shelf.
January 30, 2013
Age group: 2-6
This book was an instant hit with kids (me) as it features the likeable character of a cat – a solid favourite with children. The book tells the story of a cat giving an understanding into the world from a cats perspective – any child who has a cat as a pet will find this highly amusing.
‘Tabby McTat was busker’s cat with a miaow that was loud and strong, the two of them sang of this and that’ – this particular tale is of Tabby McTat becoming separating from his dotting owner, the busker. After searching for the busker in the familiar square ‘he was never there’, so McTat goes on a journey as he finds a new family, and in turn a wife. The buskers cats life changes dramatically as he has ‘a very full life with plenty of things to do, like washing Prunella, and pouncing on Pat, and hiding the car keys under the mat’ – and he even has kittens of his own, but he can never settle as he misses the busker too much. As McTat goes in search of the busker, his young son, Samuel Sprat follows him. Once McTat is reunited with the busker he then realises he doesn’t have time for busking now he has his life with his wife – ‘then out from the shadow sprang Samuel Sprat’ – and little Samuel takes the role as the buskers cat.
October 15, 2013
"Tabby McTat was a busker'scat
With a miaow that was loud and strong.
The two of them sang of this and that,
And people threw coins in the old checked hat,
And this was their favourite song..."
This story is in no way similar to it's predecessor, "The Gruffalo".
This is a good and a bad thing I feel as I did not particularly enjoy "Tabby McTat" as much as I thought I would.
Tabby enjoys his busking days on the street square. One day he sadly loses his faithful busker, however, is fortunate enough to be taken in by the owners of his new cat wife, Sock. Even though Tabby is now living a life of leisure and luxury, he sorely misses his busking days. How will he find his busker companion again? Will Tabby be able to enjoy the best of both worlds?
This book is excellent because it has great poetic flow. It would definitely be a great book for grouped guided reading or for class story time. It is also great to add to any collection of poetic narratives or Donaldson and Scheffler books.
With a miaow that was loud and strong.
The two of them sang of this and that,
And people threw coins in the old checked hat,
And this was their favourite song..."
This story is in no way similar to it's predecessor, "The Gruffalo".
This is a good and a bad thing I feel as I did not particularly enjoy "Tabby McTat" as much as I thought I would.
Tabby enjoys his busking days on the street square. One day he sadly loses his faithful busker, however, is fortunate enough to be taken in by the owners of his new cat wife, Sock. Even though Tabby is now living a life of leisure and luxury, he sorely misses his busking days. How will he find his busker companion again? Will Tabby be able to enjoy the best of both worlds?
This book is excellent because it has great poetic flow. It would definitely be a great book for grouped guided reading or for class story time. It is also great to add to any collection of poetic narratives or Donaldson and Scheffler books.
January 12, 2020
Tabby McTat the buskers cat is an unusual story for children (as someone that works with SEN) , I found that the morals of the story are kinda messed up. My main issues are that A) Tabby has ‘fun’ times with a rich lady cat and has 3 kittens but totally forgets about his best friend/owner B) He enjoys being with a rich cat C) When he does find his owner, he still wants to live with his lady cat, so Tabby gives his scruffy looking son to the busker, so basically A) gives his ugly son away and B) Kicking his son out of a warm rich home to live with a poor homeless street man.
There’s no clear good morals in this story. The writing has a great flow and illustrations are fantastic but it’s really hard to suggest this book, if your trying to help your children learn good morals.
There’s no clear good morals in this story. The writing has a great flow and illustrations are fantastic but it’s really hard to suggest this book, if your trying to help your children learn good morals.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2018
You learn something new everyday: "busker." I'd never heard that word before. Now it's in my vocabulary thanks to this book.
Follow McTat on his journey, as he sings with a busker and eventually joins a family.
Ages: 3 - 7
Cleanliness: there is a magician in the story for a couple of sentences.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Follow McTat on his journey, as he sings with a busker and eventually joins a family.
Ages: 3 - 7
Cleanliness: there is a magician in the story for a couple of sentences.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
February 14, 2013
Tabby McTat loved to sing along as his owner, a street musician, played his guitar on a street corner. They were happy together, and shared the meager money that passersby dropped in a hat. When an unanticipated incident occurred, Tabby and his owner were separated. Will Tabby ever be reunited with his owner? This is a story about love and loyalty that will make you smile. The illustrations are cute as well.
September 20, 2019
Well, I'd about given up on Donaldson, but then I spotted this on the shelf and decided to pick it up. So glad I did. I've never seen quite this same theme before, certainly not in this same dressing (how many stories about buskers do you know of?) and I found it refreshing, heartwarming, and most definitely worthy of children's time. Lovely ideas in an entertaining presentation.
September 1, 2020
10 out of 5 stars. I can recite the entire book from memory, which allows me to braid my kids' hair while they turn the pages. The emotions, the illustrations, the lilting cadence of the stanzas... It's lovely. And wow do those kids get worried when the sun goes down and the sky goes black, the stars come out and he didn't come back... OH NO IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN
January 4, 2018
This is a very,very good picture book. The only reason it got four stars from me is its being a good and not a 'wow' book. I guess I'm a bit prejudiced against it, because I know that Ms. Danoldson can make much, much better books.
February 18, 2024
We can never have too many cat books. Tabby McTat has it all, adversity, hope, a joyful ending, and great rhymes. All the makings of a modern classic.
March 5, 2013
Adorable and fun to read aloud. Great vocab too --- my kids are now familiar with the words "busker" and "conjuror".
April 8, 2021
Moral; sometimes you have to sacrifice things for what you really desire.
July 30, 2024
2.5/5
November 22, 2022
Hoş bir öykü. İçinde birçok önemli alt metin barındırıyor; aile, dostluk, sadakat…
January 28, 2018
Little-AJ was instantly captivated by the bright and colorful illustrations of this book when he first saw it. Unfortunately, the story line is not as straightforward and simple as I would like it to be. Little-AJ quickly lost interest half way of reading and it’s really difficult to complete this book with him in one go. The book is probably more suitable for older kids, and even that, it involves themes that might not be that easy for a kid to grasp.
Tabby McTat was a busker’s cat. However, an accident happened one day and Fred the busker was sent into the hospital. Tabby, thinking he was being abandoned, found new home with 2 owners, and formed a family with his wife and his 3 kittens. Tabby missed Fred, and commenced a mission to look for his former busker owner one day. Tabby found Fred in the end, but things have changed and Tabby really missed his new home and family.
The story has a sweet ending, Tabby’s son Samuel Sprat decided to stay with busker Fred instead.
The sense of belonging, change of circumstances, family values, old friendships, new family ties, different stages of life- some nice messages to share with kids but probably not so easy to be comprehended by young toddlers who haven’t experienced that much. It’s a nice and sweet story for mummy, but probably not little-AJ’ favourite at this stage. Having said that, the illustrations are awesome!
Full review here: https://storypleasemummy.wordpress.co...
Tabby McTat was a busker’s cat. However, an accident happened one day and Fred the busker was sent into the hospital. Tabby, thinking he was being abandoned, found new home with 2 owners, and formed a family with his wife and his 3 kittens. Tabby missed Fred, and commenced a mission to look for his former busker owner one day. Tabby found Fred in the end, but things have changed and Tabby really missed his new home and family.
The story has a sweet ending, Tabby’s son Samuel Sprat decided to stay with busker Fred instead.
The sense of belonging, change of circumstances, family values, old friendships, new family ties, different stages of life- some nice messages to share with kids but probably not so easy to be comprehended by young toddlers who haven’t experienced that much. It’s a nice and sweet story for mummy, but probably not little-AJ’ favourite at this stage. Having said that, the illustrations are awesome!
Full review here: https://storypleasemummy.wordpress.co...
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October 7, 2017
A lovely, emotive story for KS1 and EYFS about dealing with change and how life goes on. Another beautiful story from Julia Donaldson to read aloud with younger children. The book deals with complex issues like being lost, making new friends and then understanding your emotions. The story has questions within it, such as “why did he feel sad?”, which I think take away any extra planning on the behalf of the teacher. You could pause at these moments and address the questions to the children in front of you, which would really aide their understanding of the story, as well as the issues it explores. The illustrations themselves from Axel Scheffler are a really interesting point, as they are incredibly diverse. There are lots of larger group illustrations of children and adults from all walks of life, including women in burkas, people who are homeless and people of all ages, and I think this is really important for the modern, diverse classroom.
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