What do you think?
Rate this book
Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin
A fictional biography of American artist Benjamin West recounts the story of a Quaker boy who, with the aid of his cat, Grimalkin, becomes a talented painter
147 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1947
67 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Marguerite Henry
124 books750 followersMarguerite Henry (April 13, 1902–November 26, 1997) was an American writer. The author of fifty-nine books based on true stories of horses and other animals, her work has captivated entire generations of children and young adults and won several Newbery Awards and Honors. Among the more famous of her works was Misty of Chincoteague, which was the basis for the 1961 movie Misty, and several sequel books.
"It is exciting to me that no matter how much machinery replaces the horse, the work it can do is still measured in horsepower ... even in the new age. And although a riding horse often weighs half a ton and a big drafter a full ton, either can be led about by a piece of string if he has been wisely trained. This to me is a constant source of wonder and challenge." This quote was from an article about Henry published in the Washington Post on November 28, 1997, in response to a query about her drive to write about horses.
Marguerite Henry inspired children all over the world with her love of animals, especially horses. Author of over fifty children's stories, including the Misty of Chincoteague series, Henry's love of animals started during her childhood. Unfortunately, Henry was stricken with a rheumatic fever at the age of six, which kept her bedridden until the age of twelve. Born to Louis and Anna Breithaupt, the youngest of the five children, Henry was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Because of her illness, Henry wasn't allowed to go to school with other children because of her weak state and the fear of spreading the illness to others. While she was confined indoors, she discovered the joy of reading. Soon afterward, she also discovered a love for writing when her father, a publisher, presented her with a writing desk for Christmas. On the top of stacks of colored paper her father wrote, "Dear Last of the Mohicans: Not a penny for your thoughts, but a tablet. Merry Christmas! Pappa Louis XXXX."
Henry's first published work came at the age of eleven, a short story about a collie and a group of children, which she sold to a magazine for $12. Henry always wrote about animals, such as dogs, cats, birds, foxes, and even mules, but chiefly her stories focused on horses.
In 1923, she married Sidney Crocker Henry. During their sixty-four years of marriage they didn't have children, but instead had many pets that inspired some of Marguerite's stories. They lived in Wayne, Illinois.
In 1947, she published Misty of Chincoteague and it was an instant success. Later, this book—as well as Justin Morgan had a Horse and Brighty of the Grand Canyon—were made into movies.
She finished her last book, Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley, just before her death on November 26, 1997 at the age of 95.
"It is exciting to me that no matter how much machinery replaces the horse, the work it can do is still measured in horsepower ... even in the new age. And although a riding horse often weighs half a ton and a big drafter a full ton, either can be led about by a piece of string if he has been wisely trained. This to me is a constant source of wonder and challenge." This quote was from an article about Henry published in the Washington Post on November 28, 1997, in response to a query about her drive to write about horses.
Marguerite Henry inspired children all over the world with her love of animals, especially horses. Author of over fifty children's stories, including the Misty of Chincoteague series, Henry's love of animals started during her childhood. Unfortunately, Henry was stricken with a rheumatic fever at the age of six, which kept her bedridden until the age of twelve. Born to Louis and Anna Breithaupt, the youngest of the five children, Henry was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Because of her illness, Henry wasn't allowed to go to school with other children because of her weak state and the fear of spreading the illness to others. While she was confined indoors, she discovered the joy of reading. Soon afterward, she also discovered a love for writing when her father, a publisher, presented her with a writing desk for Christmas. On the top of stacks of colored paper her father wrote, "Dear Last of the Mohicans: Not a penny for your thoughts, but a tablet. Merry Christmas! Pappa Louis XXXX."
Henry's first published work came at the age of eleven, a short story about a collie and a group of children, which she sold to a magazine for $12. Henry always wrote about animals, such as dogs, cats, birds, foxes, and even mules, but chiefly her stories focused on horses.
In 1923, she married Sidney Crocker Henry. During their sixty-four years of marriage they didn't have children, but instead had many pets that inspired some of Marguerite's stories. They lived in Wayne, Illinois.
In 1947, she published Misty of Chincoteague and it was an instant success. Later, this book—as well as Justin Morgan had a Horse and Brighty of the Grand Canyon—were made into movies.
She finished her last book, Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley, just before her death on November 26, 1997 at the age of 95.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
January 12, 2018
Apparently, Quakers don't believe in art...I never knew this. Its considered evil I guess. So ironically, "Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin" is about a Quaker boy who loves art.
Ben does his utmost to study art, even behind his family's back. He cuts pieces of Grimalkin's fur to make paint brushes, making him all patchy and weird looking. This makes Ben's superstitious father think the cat is either cursed, sick, or possessed by a demon.
This book is one of those short books you can read in possibly two sittings but you never forget. It is definitely a book that will go on your favorites shelf because its that good.
Ben does his utmost to study art, even behind his family's back. He cuts pieces of Grimalkin's fur to make paint brushes, making him all patchy and weird looking. This makes Ben's superstitious father think the cat is either cursed, sick, or possessed by a demon.
This book is one of those short books you can read in possibly two sittings but you never forget. It is definitely a book that will go on your favorites shelf because its that good.
January 17, 2018
One of my all-time favorite books. The story of the sincere desire of this little boy to pursue his talent is inspiring. The characters are well written, the setting is unique. Best of all, it is based on a true story! After finishing the book, my kids and I were able to see an actual Benjamin West painting at the Cincinnati Art Museum. We will never forget this story! I even bought this book for my mother in law for her birthday. She loved it.
February 7, 2023
I read this to my 3rd grade boy as part of his history curriculum. It was just okay in my opinion. My son thought it slightly boring, as will occasionally be the case when the intention or focus is more on learning than entertainment. And that's okay. He wouldn't have the fortitude to read this independently.
It had some good messages for boys though (as the main character is an 8 year old boy himself.): honestly, hard work, persistence. This is the partly fictional story of how Benjamin West came to love painting as a boy even though he was from and lived in a Quaker community where things like painting were deemed unnecessary and ungodly even. Benjamin West grew up to be the "Father of American Painting" - aka. the first american painter.
It had some good messages for boys though (as the main character is an 8 year old boy himself.): honestly, hard work, persistence. This is the partly fictional story of how Benjamin West came to love painting as a boy even though he was from and lived in a Quaker community where things like painting were deemed unnecessary and ungodly even. Benjamin West grew up to be the "Father of American Painting" - aka. the first american painter.
February 18, 2022
Loved the cat. Loved the mother’s relationship with her son. Loved learning about Benjamin West’s childhood. And my kids adored it!
December 13, 2013
This book is about how Benjamin saves a kitten from dying. So the owners of the kitten give him the kitten. Benjamin named the kitten Grimalkin just like him. Later on his father got him a feather, and some black paint. He finds out he is a really good painter. His teacher does not approve of him painting in class. His father signs him up for a really good school, and at the end he becomes the president.
I thought this book was really good, some parts were boring but the rest were awesome. I feel happy I did not go to that school. When I was reading I thought his cat was a lot like my cat.
I learned that the teachers would beat the poo out of you if you were bad . I love this book so much.
I thought this book was really good, some parts were boring but the rest were awesome. I feel happy I did not go to that school. When I was reading I thought his cat was a lot like my cat.
I learned that the teachers would beat the poo out of you if you were bad . I love this book so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2021
I was a fan of marguerite Henry’s horse books when I was growing up but this is a book I had never heard of until now. I read it aloud to my three youngest as part of their American history literature curriculum. We enjoyed it very much!
November 10, 2023
My daughter and I really enjoyed this fictional look into the early years of the painter Benjamin West. It went along with the first unit of her history book.
September 27, 2024
Fantastic read aloud for our History study.
September 28, 2024
since i had to read this for school, not bad. benjamin west was like, yo.. what if i drew a picture? and all his dogs at the hood were like naw. but benny was like i’ll show you what a true painter is really like. and these indians helped him out and his cat too. the cat got a haircut so my boy ben could paint. this frickin cat had more personality than some of my siblings. specifically the female one. then benny drew some fire paintings and said look at this elders whom are gonna decide my whole life! bazinga! the dogs at the hood were like fine benny you can draw. so he left them for the wonderful city of that brotherly love faster than girls leave their boyfriends for me. which is pretty fast
now that’s some rizz
now that’s some rizz
July 27, 2016
As part of our book club we were to read a book published the year we were born. We received the book Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin in the store earlier in the week and it had been signed by Marguerite Henry and had a small picture of a cat next to her name. When I discovered that this book had been published in 1947 I decided to read it. It was really a Kid's Chapter book but it was well written and very informative about the artist Benjamin West. I also have to admit that I waited until Saturday to read a book that was due for discussion on Monday and I was looking for a quick read and the book did not look to have too many pages. Even with this, I enjoyed the book very much.
August 16, 2012
This is a charming book about a real Quaker boy who becomes the royal painter to King George III. He is aided by local Indians who teach him how to make colors out of things found in nature. Benjamin also shows his resourcefulness and determination when he "borrows" from his cat's tail to make paintbrushes. The Quakers believe art to be worldly and vain, so Benjamin has to work to get his parents and church to recognize his talent and permit him to receive training. Benjamin West became a famous and influential painter as a result. Kids of all ages will love this book!
October 11, 2016
This was delightful. I read it aloud to my 9-year-old son who loved it as much as I did. All along the way he kept saying, "She's a great writer. I love this book!" And as we finished he said, "If I ever have children, I will read them this book!"
January 26, 2016
My boys loved this book and it was a great way to bring history alive for them.
July 31, 2019
I realize this is a children's chapter book, but sometimes all I need is a children's book to see if I want to learn about the person further, and this definitely whetted my appetite for more about Benjamin West.
He grew up as a Quaker whose religious beliefs did not involve creating pictures or drawings of anything, so his parents were very hesitant about letting him continue.
I adored the story of his cat Grimalkin and the special relationship they shared. He was definitely a different, special cat!
It seems so odd in today's times to send your child off to a different city to work and learn from someone else so young! Just wouldn't happen today. I recommend this book for children AND adults.
He grew up as a Quaker whose religious beliefs did not involve creating pictures or drawings of anything, so his parents were very hesitant about letting him continue.
I adored the story of his cat Grimalkin and the special relationship they shared. He was definitely a different, special cat!
It seems so odd in today's times to send your child off to a different city to work and learn from someone else so young! Just wouldn't happen today. I recommend this book for children AND adults.
November 12, 2023
Such a good story! Not only did my kids beg for more but they also asked so many questions about Quakers, the time period, Benjamin West, painting, paints, cats and a hodge podge of other things. We ended up watching some videos and ofcourse who should wander into our yard but a very friendly black cat that they have now affectionately named Grimalkin. They were inspired to draw with charcoal of wooden boards as well.
Written in a very sweet way, the story of Benjamin West as a boy is told in this short little fictionalized book. I love that this inspired my kids to learn more. I also loved being able to show them some of the works that he would go on to paint. They recognized a few which made this story come to life even more.
Written in a very sweet way, the story of Benjamin West as a boy is told in this short little fictionalized book. I love that this inspired my kids to learn more. I also loved being able to show them some of the works that he would go on to paint. They recognized a few which made this story come to life even more.
September 16, 2023
A charming story about a boy and his cat living in Penn's Woods. Based on the childhood of Benjamin West, the father of American painting, the novel sheds light on Quaker traditions and the tensions for Benjamin of having inmate talent but not being allowed to draw and paint. My nine-year-old and I both loved this book!
September 18, 2024
The kids and I loved this book! We always enjoy learning the back stories of how a famous artist or composer grew into his/her passion.
We had an especial affinity for the book as it was set in Chester County, Pennsylvania where my husband and I lived as newlyweds. A beautiful area, no wonder Benjamin West was inspired to recreate it's beauty on canvas.
We had an especial affinity for the book as it was set in Chester County, Pennsylvania where my husband and I lived as newlyweds. A beautiful area, no wonder Benjamin West was inspired to recreate it's beauty on canvas.
October 6, 2020
Great book. The story is so well told and believable. It was like BEING in 1700's America. The characters are so charming its hard to believe they were real historic figures. And the story is one that many children would enjoy. I loved it and now want to read more of Henry's works.
March 29, 2021
I thought I had read nearly all the Marguerite Henry children's books, but hadn't even heard of this one. It was delightful and such a fun look at early American Quaker life. It definitely peaked my interest in Benjamin West's art and later life. The kids loved this one.
April 12, 2020
Great story about a great artist by a great writer for children, but I learned some things, too.
September 26, 2020
A delightful book from front to back, filled with interesting history and culture. The world needs more books like this!
October 29, 2024
Delightful read-aloud with my kids and a great addition to our study of the artist, Benjamin West.
December 17, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this fictionalized story on Benjamin West! Now I want to read a full length biography of him, if I can find one.
September 2, 2022
What a gem of a family read aloud! The laughter, the lessons, the history - a sweet memory for us all to treasure!
January 7, 2014
Based on the (mostly) true story of the Quaker childhood of 18th century painter Benjamin West. From Logan: "I liked the the idea that none of this would have been possible without Grimalkin. And I liked the adventure of it. It was fun. The Indians were cool." From mama: I read all of Henry's horse books as a kid, and I loved Dennis's illustrations. I can't believe I'd never heard of this book. My son loves cats and he thought Grimalkin was amazing although we both agreed that Henry went a little too far anthropomorphizing him , to the point where we half expected that any minute he'd talk. Still, Henry really knows how to tell a story and keep the reader engaged. Benjamin was portrayed realistically, with some flaws and some discontent with the Quaker ban on art. His drive to draw reminded me of a friend of my son's, who is artistically gifted and just as driven. The dialog was good and had the flavor of the period without being overly stilted to read aloud. The Native Americans were portrayed as kind and friendly, especially to Quakers, who treated them with respect. All in all, a terrific book. I was a little surprised the Logan wanted to give it 5 stars, as he doesn't do that often unless it's a rip-roaring fantasy adventure. I think he really related to Benjamin, who was about his age. Also, at 9, his interest is turning to books where kids have adventures that don't involve magic, things Logan could really do himself, like Swallows and Amazons and Swiss Family Robinson.
February 15, 2017
A really sweet tale of a little boy growing up in a Quaker household who wants to be an artist. :)
July 29, 2015
We read Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin as part of our not-so- great artist study this term. We did learn a lot about Benjamin West’s childhood years from this book, although our attempts to study his paintings came to naught. When I asked Hannah to tell me about Benjamin West in her end-of-term narration, she gave many details about his upbringing but concluded with “He became a great painter, and I’ve heard he was very good.” Momfail for not pulling the picture study together, but I do think it was worthwhile to read the book, as we learned about Quakers and colonial life, and we found the story and illustrations engaging.
{Read more reviews of read alouds and books for kids (and adults!) on A Spirited Mind}
{Read more reviews of read alouds and books for kids (and adults!) on A Spirited Mind}
February 7, 2012
My plan is to reread some 'kid lit' this year, so this was my good start. I found the Quaker language and views rather refreshing. The Quaker's had no pictures. "A man's deeds are fixed in the hearts of his friends. Not his fleshly image on a canvas." "Necessity can sharpen the wits even of children." Not only did West have physical limitations as he became an artist (no paints and paint brushes, but a whole mindset against the need for art. I appreciated the statement of West's father as Benjamin developed his skills: "To preserve good actions on paper can do no harm."
May 10, 2013
We loved this book! There are tons of great jumping off points for a history lesson too - I love how she really steeped the dialogue and vocabularly in the time period. And it has a great cat in it - great for us.
November 1, 2017
One of the few Henry books I did not read in childhood (maybe that's the problem?), this was a sweet little story, but the setting/main character/plot didn't leave a huge impression on me. I did love the cat, of course.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews