What do you think?
Rate this book
Aristotle
Aristotle is a bold little cat who is always getting himself into danger. He lives with a good witch called Bella Donna who thinks he'll make a proper witch's cat one day - if he can live long enough. Like all cats, Aristotle has nine lives - and he needs every single one of them!
80 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2003
4 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Dick King-Smith
329 books307 followersDick King-Smith was born and raised in Gloucestershire, England, surrounded by pet animals. After twenty years as a farmer, he turned to teaching and then to writing children's books.
Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.
Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.
Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.
Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 26, 2011
Aristotle was a very curious kitten who knew no fear. His mother felt she was protecting him from himself by not telling him that, being a cat, he had nine lives. His new home in the woods with an old witch, Bella Donna, provided Aristotle with all the riskily adventurous opportunities such a curious kitten would relish, and he did. Bella counted Aristotle’s lives down after each of his brushes with death. Finally left with only the last of his nine lives she hoped it would last a long, long time.
This is a pacey story with one or two quirks - the witch is very caring toward children; and her cat is white! The level of vocabulary makes it better suited to confident independent readers; however younger children /less confident readers would enjoy this story if it were read to them.
‘Aristotle’ would be useful in teaching numeracy: counting backward from 9 to 1; ordinal number words e.g. ‘first’ to ‘ninth’; calculating ‘one less’ from 9 to 1. There are also a few opportunities for teaching Science - introducing the senses, e.g. “On the table, his eyes told him…a large…jug” (p.19) “His tongue told him it tasted delightful.” (p.20). The book implicitly offers, in addition, considerable suggestions of good practice with regard to caring for a kitten.
In sum, an exciting read and a useful teaching resource.
This is a pacey story with one or two quirks - the witch is very caring toward children; and her cat is white! The level of vocabulary makes it better suited to confident independent readers; however younger children /less confident readers would enjoy this story if it were read to them.
‘Aristotle’ would be useful in teaching numeracy: counting backward from 9 to 1; ordinal number words e.g. ‘first’ to ‘ninth’; calculating ‘one less’ from 9 to 1. There are also a few opportunities for teaching Science - introducing the senses, e.g. “On the table, his eyes told him…a large…jug” (p.19) “His tongue told him it tasted delightful.” (p.20). The book implicitly offers, in addition, considerable suggestions of good practice with regard to caring for a kitten.
In sum, an exciting read and a useful teaching resource.
December 11, 2024
A little white kitten named Aristotle is adopted by the witch Bella Donna in this adorable work of animal fiction, using up eight of his nine lives in his many exciting adventures. Full of mischief and fun, our feline hero explores everything: falling down chimneys, getting stuck in milk jugs, barely escaping getting flattened by trains, drowning in streams, and being savaged by dogs. Throughout it all, Bella Donna is there to rescue him and pick him back up again, eventually deciding (or does she?) that she must take a more active role in keeping her cat out of trouble...
Published in 2003, The Nine Lives of Aristotle appears to be the only collaboration of English author Dick King-Smith, the prolific creator of numerous work of animal fiction for children, and Australian illustrator Bob Graham, whose many picture books never fail to charm. Although it does not have chapters per se, it is of chapter-book length, and I have cataloged it that way. It is a book I tracked down because of my interest in witchy tales, but although Bella Donna was the draw for me, and although I enjoyed her depiction in both text and image, I found Aristotle even more delightful, and much like his witch, took him to heart. I think this entire book is wonderful, and highly recommend it to beginning chapter-book readers who enjoy animal stories and/or witchy tales.
Published in 2003, The Nine Lives of Aristotle appears to be the only collaboration of English author Dick King-Smith, the prolific creator of numerous work of animal fiction for children, and Australian illustrator Bob Graham, whose many picture books never fail to charm. Although it does not have chapters per se, it is of chapter-book length, and I have cataloged it that way. It is a book I tracked down because of my interest in witchy tales, but although Bella Donna was the draw for me, and although I enjoyed her depiction in both text and image, I found Aristotle even more delightful, and much like his witch, took him to heart. I think this entire book is wonderful, and highly recommend it to beginning chapter-book readers who enjoy animal stories and/or witchy tales.
September 24, 2016
Mi mamá dice que los gatos tienen siete vidas. Pero yo sé que otras partes del mundo, tienen nueve. Eso sí, nueve vidas no son suficientes cuando amas a un gato. Siempre quieres tenerlo más tiempo; eso se los puedo asegurar por experiencia.
Este fue un librito que me encontré por casualidad en la casa de mi tía. Lo tomé para perder el tiempo, sin tener idea de que sería condenadamente precioso y adorable. No solo por que tenga a un gato como protagonista, sino porque cuenta con unas ilustraciones preciosas que acompañan perfectamente las aventuras de este pequeño gatito. Al ser un libro infantil, ni el lenguaje ni la trama es demasiado rebuscada. Es sencillito, sin dejar de ser tierno, carismático y sentimental. Simplemente narra las aventuras de un gatito que se tiene que separar de su madre porque fue adoptado por una bruja. Ahora debe vivir en la cabaña de ella y sobrevivir a las consecuencias de sus propios actos.
La brujita se encariña inmediatamente con Aristóteles, y sufre porque el gatito es demasiado travieso y siempre se mete en embrollos. Afortunadamente, ella está ahí para apoyarlo y limpiarlo, calentarlo, darle consuelo y amor. En verdad que disfruté muchísimo leyendo este cuento. Al final, se me derramaron algunas lagrimillas de la emoción. Me pareción fantastiquísimo y me encantaría tenerlo en mi estantería, eso sí.
Este fue un librito que me encontré por casualidad en la casa de mi tía. Lo tomé para perder el tiempo, sin tener idea de que sería condenadamente precioso y adorable. No solo por que tenga a un gato como protagonista, sino porque cuenta con unas ilustraciones preciosas que acompañan perfectamente las aventuras de este pequeño gatito. Al ser un libro infantil, ni el lenguaje ni la trama es demasiado rebuscada. Es sencillito, sin dejar de ser tierno, carismático y sentimental. Simplemente narra las aventuras de un gatito que se tiene que separar de su madre porque fue adoptado por una bruja. Ahora debe vivir en la cabaña de ella y sobrevivir a las consecuencias de sus propios actos.
La brujita se encariña inmediatamente con Aristóteles, y sufre porque el gatito es demasiado travieso y siempre se mete en embrollos. Afortunadamente, ella está ahí para apoyarlo y limpiarlo, calentarlo, darle consuelo y amor. En verdad que disfruté muchísimo leyendo este cuento. Al final, se me derramaron algunas lagrimillas de la emoción. Me pareción fantastiquísimo y me encantaría tenerlo en mi estantería, eso sí.
Read
June 19, 2012In King-Smith's latest, Aristotle, an adventurous white kitten, is adopted by Bella Donna, an old lady who wears black clothes, a pointy black hat, and mixes potions in her cauldron. Within days of his arrival, this little tearaway falls through the chimney, nearly drowns in a jug of milk, plunges out of a tree into a swiftly flowing stream, narrowly escapes being flattened by a freight train, is mauled and chased by a vicious dog, and, finally, is nearly crushed by a delivery truck. In each case, his kindly owner rescues him, lovingly admonishing him to be more careful in the future. Watercolor-and-ink illustrations adorn nearly every page, adding humorous details to the text. Aristotle's adventures may be harrowing, but it's always clear from Graham's gentle artwork and King-Smith's understated text that this pet is in safe hands. A great book for some guided reading for Yr 1/2, just enough for them to sink their teeth into in that short period of time.
September 12, 2017
I have an 8 year old reluctant reader. He loves to be read to and to listen to audiobooks but trying to help kindle/rekindle a love of reading independently is a struggle. Enter Dick King-Smith, hero of men and women. His books are always fun for the whole family and so Aristotle made the cut. It's illustrated, funny, and has animals.
January 1, 2019
Mi calificación no es objetiva, pues lo leí en segundo de primaria, y es un libro de niños, pero me trae tan buenos recuerdos que le pongo cinco estrellas.
Me acordé de que lo leí por un book tag... ¡Lo amaba!
Me acordé de que lo leí por un book tag... ¡Lo amaba!
March 8, 2020
4 sweet stars. Lovely drawings and the sweetest story about a witch’s cat with nine lives. My 4 year old loved this one.
March 27, 2022
This was my favourite book as a child and I loved diving back into it. Silly little Aristotle.
November 5, 2025
I'm going to start wanting cats.
Cute little cat, a white kitten, that is different then black cats that witches normally have but that is not a problem for Bella Donna.
Illustrations were cute but I wonder with todays technology would they be better cause like something is lost while transfering from illustrations on paper to picture book paper in those days, twenty years ago.
Cute little cat, a white kitten, that is different then black cats that witches normally have but that is not a problem for Bella Donna.
Illustrations were cute but I wonder with todays technology would they be better cause like something is lost while transfering from illustrations on paper to picture book paper in those days, twenty years ago.
July 12, 2025
nie wydaje mi się, że dzieci powinny czytać takie rzeczy bo jeszcze pomyślą że ich kotki tez maja więcej żyć i może zrzucą je z dachu
September 8, 2013
This story is based around a little white kitten named Aristotle, and his Witch owner Bella Donna. The kitten is inquisitive and enjoys exploring. When he first arrives at Bella’s cottage Aristotle takes to exploring all over and manages to climb onto the roof, he peeks down the chimney while Bella is down below boiling something on the fire. The smoke rises up the chimney causing Aristotle sneeze and fall down the chimney! Luckily so much soot was churned up that it put out the flames before he arrived at the bottom. Bella reprimands Aristotle in a kind way and warns that he was lucky to have lived and that one of his nine lives has now gone and he needs to be more careful in future. Bella then washes Aristotle – something he struggles over, wanting to be clean and not wanting a bath – before leaving him in for the night as she goes out.
We follow Aristotle as he gets into further scraps, some caused by Aristotle simply not listening to Bella in the first place! Even on the occasions where Bella has to save Aristotle, she does not get angry with him; Bella always lovingly dusts Aristotle down and explains, kindly, how he is lucky to have escaped with his life. Bella generally finds that Aristotle has always been taught a lesson by his experiences. The fact that Aristotle learns from his mistakes is highlighted when, after an experience with a train, he is trying to escape a dog he consciously remembers not run for the train lines and heads in another direction.
At the end of the book you see that although Aristotle used 8 of his nine lives when he was still a kitten, he learnt so much in that time and by using those lives that he has lived to a ripe old age and now helps Bella with her good deeds while they both enjoy each other’s company.
This is a sweet story ideal for 6-9 years olds. There is a great moral tale within this book with the idea that you can learn from your mistakes – if you do get yourself into trouble, what can you take away from that experience and the idea that you should listen to your elders, like your parents as they only have your best interests at heart. Another intriguing moral is that it shows adults can make mistakes too, in the book the witch chases the dog across the road, whacking him with a broomstick, the next day the witch apologises to the dog, and explains the she wanted him to get off the road so he wasn’t squashed by approaching car, but she was sorry if she hurt him in the process.
In the class room I would read this story aloud to the class. From this book you can branch out in many different ways, you can discuss with the class examples of why your parents and teachers may ask you to do things, not to spoil fun or be boring, but because it is good for them. Perhaps do an activity to give safety instructions and get them to tell you why the safety advice should followed this helps them to think about ‘why’ they should follow an instruction and will help them to follow the advice so as not to face the consequences. You could also get the children to think up their own instructions and the reasons why we should follow them.
Another activity would be to look at different safety areas, for example the road and the green cross code, safety in the classroom, the kitchen at home, the playground etc. and get the children to think up their own examples, get the children make a safety booklet or poster for one of the areas; get them to add why the safety instruction is important, linking with the above discussion about why you should follow the rules so they are thinking about safety all the time, and the reasons why it is good to be safe.
Overall I think this book is a sweet tale, and ideal for highlighting the basic principles, to respect parents and listen to instructions given. I think its both engaging for boys as well as girls, because the storyline has adventure and a happy ending. I would love to get this book into my work in the classroom, and would defiantly recommend it.
We follow Aristotle as he gets into further scraps, some caused by Aristotle simply not listening to Bella in the first place! Even on the occasions where Bella has to save Aristotle, she does not get angry with him; Bella always lovingly dusts Aristotle down and explains, kindly, how he is lucky to have escaped with his life. Bella generally finds that Aristotle has always been taught a lesson by his experiences. The fact that Aristotle learns from his mistakes is highlighted when, after an experience with a train, he is trying to escape a dog he consciously remembers not run for the train lines and heads in another direction.
At the end of the book you see that although Aristotle used 8 of his nine lives when he was still a kitten, he learnt so much in that time and by using those lives that he has lived to a ripe old age and now helps Bella with her good deeds while they both enjoy each other’s company.
This is a sweet story ideal for 6-9 years olds. There is a great moral tale within this book with the idea that you can learn from your mistakes – if you do get yourself into trouble, what can you take away from that experience and the idea that you should listen to your elders, like your parents as they only have your best interests at heart. Another intriguing moral is that it shows adults can make mistakes too, in the book the witch chases the dog across the road, whacking him with a broomstick, the next day the witch apologises to the dog, and explains the she wanted him to get off the road so he wasn’t squashed by approaching car, but she was sorry if she hurt him in the process.
In the class room I would read this story aloud to the class. From this book you can branch out in many different ways, you can discuss with the class examples of why your parents and teachers may ask you to do things, not to spoil fun or be boring, but because it is good for them. Perhaps do an activity to give safety instructions and get them to tell you why the safety advice should followed this helps them to think about ‘why’ they should follow an instruction and will help them to follow the advice so as not to face the consequences. You could also get the children to think up their own instructions and the reasons why we should follow them.
Another activity would be to look at different safety areas, for example the road and the green cross code, safety in the classroom, the kitchen at home, the playground etc. and get the children to think up their own examples, get the children make a safety booklet or poster for one of the areas; get them to add why the safety instruction is important, linking with the above discussion about why you should follow the rules so they are thinking about safety all the time, and the reasons why it is good to be safe.
Overall I think this book is a sweet tale, and ideal for highlighting the basic principles, to respect parents and listen to instructions given. I think its both engaging for boys as well as girls, because the storyline has adventure and a happy ending. I would love to get this book into my work in the classroom, and would defiantly recommend it.
August 25, 2024
This was an accidental find - I haven't really read a great deal of King-Smith, but I am so glad that I did discover it.
Aristotle (my hardback edition just features the name of the cat as the title) is a very cute, charming tale, which I am sure younger readers and their adults would enjoy. The accompanying illustrations by Bob Graham are also lovely - they bring the charm and the humour of the tale to life.
Aristotle is a young kitten at the beginning of the book. He is white, but he ends up going off to live with a witch, in her little cottage. He is a very curious little cat, and this curiosity often gets him into trouble. So much so, that he is quickly getting through his nine lives. The tale lets us see how Aristotle gets into the trouble he finds himself.
This is a lovely book. There is humour here and there is also some tension, created by the misadventures that Aristotle finds for himself. The only thing that I wish had been different, and it is a tiny thing, is the part where King-Smith describes the witch as old and "ugly." I truly wished that word hadn't been used. The witch in this tale is kind and wise, and very loving towards Aristotle and others. This connotation of her being a witch, and being old, so therefore she has to be ugly is an old-fashioned thing. Fairy tales often equate beauty with goodness and ugliness with evil, and witches have often had the visage of crooked noses, a jutting out chin, straggly grey hair, possibly a wart or two. But this is such an old thing to do, and 'ugly' is such an ugly word. But, overall, as I say, this is a small thing that I picked up on.
Other than that, this is a lovely, cautionary tale. There is an element of sadness to it at the end, but there is so much love in this book that this overrules it. This is definitely one to keep.
Aristotle (my hardback edition just features the name of the cat as the title) is a very cute, charming tale, which I am sure younger readers and their adults would enjoy. The accompanying illustrations by Bob Graham are also lovely - they bring the charm and the humour of the tale to life.
Aristotle is a young kitten at the beginning of the book. He is white, but he ends up going off to live with a witch, in her little cottage. He is a very curious little cat, and this curiosity often gets him into trouble. So much so, that he is quickly getting through his nine lives. The tale lets us see how Aristotle gets into the trouble he finds himself.
This is a lovely book. There is humour here and there is also some tension, created by the misadventures that Aristotle finds for himself. The only thing that I wish had been different, and it is a tiny thing, is the part where King-Smith describes the witch as old and "ugly." I truly wished that word hadn't been used. The witch in this tale is kind and wise, and very loving towards Aristotle and others. This connotation of her being a witch, and being old, so therefore she has to be ugly is an old-fashioned thing. Fairy tales often equate beauty with goodness and ugliness with evil, and witches have often had the visage of crooked noses, a jutting out chin, straggly grey hair, possibly a wart or two. But this is such an old thing to do, and 'ugly' is such an ugly word. But, overall, as I say, this is a small thing that I picked up on.
Other than that, this is a lovely, cautionary tale. There is an element of sadness to it at the end, but there is so much love in this book that this overrules it. This is definitely one to keep.
May 11, 2010
The Nine Lives of Aristotle by Dick King-Smith is about a young kitten who finds an unusual forever home. Aristotle is a white clumsy and overly curious kitten. He's chosen by the kindly witch Bella Donna to be her familiar if she can just keep him from burning through his nine lives.
Every kitten I known has gotten into things, taken spills and done things to make the old saying about cats having nine lives seem plausible. For Aristotle, the saying is true and if the witch can't keep him out of trouble he'll run out of lives before he reaches adulthood.
I checked out the book with some trepidations. The last Dick King-Smith novel I'd read with magical (or in that case, extra-terrestrial) overtones, I hated. The illustrations by Bob Graham though caught my eye and I was hopeful that it wouldn't be as off-putting as Harriet's Hare. The book ended up being delightful.
Every kitten I known has gotten into things, taken spills and done things to make the old saying about cats having nine lives seem plausible. For Aristotle, the saying is true and if the witch can't keep him out of trouble he'll run out of lives before he reaches adulthood.
I checked out the book with some trepidations. The last Dick King-Smith novel I'd read with magical (or in that case, extra-terrestrial) overtones, I hated. The illustrations by Bob Graham though caught my eye and I was hopeful that it wouldn't be as off-putting as Harriet's Hare. The book ended up being delightful.
May 17, 2017
(grade 2+) Vocabulary is difficult so this can be enjoyed by younger children if read by or with an adult. Also some difficult concepts like "nine lives," etc. which will require some explanation.This is a good story for high reading 2nd and 3rd grade students, but I think that anyone that loves animals will enjoy this story.
Another gentle King-Smith tale about a curious white cat who goes to live with an old woman named Bella Donna. There's just enough suspense that young readers may be worried/frightened when Aristotle climbs too high up into a tree and falls or when he is chased by the farmer's dog, Ol' Gripper, and loses one more life, one by one. But Aristotle survives each misadventure, a little wiser than before. Bob Graham's pen and ink drawings are perfect.
Another gentle King-Smith tale about a curious white cat who goes to live with an old woman named Bella Donna. There's just enough suspense that young readers may be worried/frightened when Aristotle climbs too high up into a tree and falls or when he is chased by the farmer's dog, Ol' Gripper, and loses one more life, one by one. But Aristotle survives each misadventure, a little wiser than before. Bob Graham's pen and ink drawings are perfect.
May 9, 2015
Logan likes to pick out all the books on display at the library that have cute illustrations of cats, rabbits, or mice. This book, with simple, largely monotone watercolors, tells the story of a little white kitten adopted by a kind witch. Like Wilf in "Watch Out!" by Fearnley, Aristotle is full of curiosity and energy and rarely stops to listen to cautions. A great hit with Logan. The illustrations remind me a bit of Jules Feiffer.
March 22, 2015
This book is a good read-aloud book. The sentences are sometimes long for the little ones to read on their own. But once broken up, with the good tone of voice, it is a delight.
The clever plot is about a white kitten adopted by a witch. The kitty loses one life each time he sets on a new adventure.
The clever plot is about a white kitten adopted by a witch. The kitty loses one life each time he sets on a new adventure.
January 7, 2015
This is a very short story about a cat and a very friendly witch. They live together in a small cottage and brew potions together. I especially liked the part when the cat leaves the house to explore the woods. My favourite character was Aristole the cat because she was curious about everything. I recommend this book to children 6+
October 8, 2015
Aristotle is a young cat who manages to get into lots of trouble because he's so adventurous and curious. Even though the kind witch Bella Donna cares for him, he's still managed to lose most of his 9 lives!
This is a short, sweet little story about an adventuresome cat. Recommended to grades 1 to 2 and up.
This is a short, sweet little story about an adventuresome cat. Recommended to grades 1 to 2 and up.
January 1, 2017
I love this little book. I thought I'd start the year right, with a re-read. Aristotle never disappoints.
Such a silly bewildered befuddled bedraggled Aristotle.
Such a silly bewildered befuddled bedraggled Aristotle.
"She had a broomstick, you say? Go on with you! Next thing, you'll be telling me she was all dressed in black, with a tall black hat on her head!"
May 8, 2012
Cute book about a cat named Aristotle, so named by his kindly witch mistress. Found it in the same lower elementary classroom in which I found Frindle. I read it while the students were doing their silent reading. Fun to have a chance to do my own reading while they did theirs!
September 24, 2012
enjoyed the easy read cute story about a cat who was adopted by a witch and went through one life after another until his last life… The cat gets into quite the predicaments, really cute. It was a fun read aloud to enjoy with my son as well.
January 28, 2015
Our next read out loud book and my cat loving kids loved it! This mom doesn't enjoying reading out loud but seeing my kids intrigued by this cat and guessing how he will lose his next life was very entertaining and it had colored pictures ;)
March 29, 2016
This was an adorable book about an ubber curious cat named (you guessed it) Aristotle. The characters are good- pretty well rounded, the story was sound but the conclusion was a little heavier than I anticipated; but overall very satisfying.
June 30, 2017
I had to read this book to catch up with my daughter's reading, and found a nice and lovely child's story. I liked the pace, the simple emotions, as well as the moral.
Even if I'm not fond of witches and that kind of stuff.
Even if I'm not fond of witches and that kind of stuff.
August 13, 2018
I enjoyed the mischief and curiosity of Aristotle. I also liked the caring, constant presence of his caretaker. Such patience and concern while not stifling the sense of wonder for Aristotle’s 3.5 Stars
October 24, 2008
Bell Donna adopts Aristotle because Aristotle's mum couldn't control her.
January 14, 2009
4/5 SDC Fall 2008
May 6, 2016
I would still be careful even if I had nine lives. But I guess I only have one.
April 9, 2014
Another nice short story for beginning readers. Takes you through the nine lives of Aristotle the cat and the help she receives from Bella Donna the witch.
May 9, 2016
Al principio no me gustó pero al final estaba preocupada por el gato y me daba curiosidad la bruja
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews