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The Mousehole Cat
Mousehole Cat
40 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
8 people are currently reading
715 people want to read
About the author
Antonia Barber
46 books25 followersAntonia Barber really knows about ballet - her daughter studied ballet from the age of three and attended the Royal Ballet School junior associate classes at Sadler's Wells. Antonia is well-known for such best-selling picture books as The Mousehole Cat (with Nicola Bailey) and Catkin (with J P Lynch). Her novel, The Amazing Mr Blunden, was runner-up for the Carnegie Medal. Antonia lived in Kent.
FAVOURITE BOOK:
Middlemarch by George Eliot
FAVOURITE SONG:
'Every Time You Say Goodbye' by Ella Fitzgerald
MOST TREASURED POSSESSION:
Family Photographs
FAVOURITE FILM:
The African Queen with Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart
--------------------------------------------------------
When did you start writing?
I wrote my first children's novel in 1966. My second, The Ghosts, written two years later, was a best-seller and was filmed as The Amazing Mr Blunden in 1972. Now a new film version is planned, as well as a stage musical version. My picture books for younger children include The Mousehole Cat about a fisherman and a cat who live in my Cornish cottage (see Favourite Place). Most recently I wrote Tales from the Ballet and then, for Puffin, the Dancing Shoes series about Lucy Lambert who wants to be a ballerina.
Where do you get your ideas?
Often from my own life or other peoples'. The Ghosts was inspired by a visit to an old house; The Ring in the Rough Stuff by going sailing with friends on an old Thames Barge; and The Mousehole Cat by a song I found in Cornwall. For the Dancing Shoes series I had help from my daughter Gemma, who did ballet lessons from the age of three until she was fifteen.
Can you give your top three tips to becoming a successful author?
1. You must be interested in people and all ages. To create good characters, you have to be able to imagine yourself in someone else's shoes and know how they would feel.
2. Read lots of books by good writers and try to see what it is that makes you enjoy them.
3. Write your story, then put it aside and do something different. Then go back to your story and try to read it as if someone else had written it. This makes it easier to see mistakes and to put them right.
Favourite memory?
A sailing holiday in the Greek Islands with my children and my husband, the summer before he was killed in a road accident.
Favourite place in the world and why?
My cottage in the little Cornish fishing village of Mousehole. We don't know how old it is, but it had to have a new roof after some marauding Spaniards set fire to it in 1590. It is small and snug and I can watch the blue-green sea and the little harbour from my window. I go there to rest and unwind and sometimes to work in peace because there is no telephone. It is full of happy memories of holidays with my children.
What are your hobbies?
Walking, especially along the cliffs in Cornwall. Gardening in my poison-free, wild-life garden in Kent. Going to the theatre, ballet, opera and cinema. Watching television, especially BBC classic serials. Best of all, reading books.
If you hadn't been a writer, what do you think you would have been?
I like the idea of myself as an actor or dancer... a painter would have been good too. Unfortunately I don't think I would have had enough talent for any of these. But really I love books, so if I couldn't write them, I think I would have a little bookshop in a small country town.
(courtesy Penguin website)
FAVOURITE BOOK:
Middlemarch by George Eliot
FAVOURITE SONG:
'Every Time You Say Goodbye' by Ella Fitzgerald
MOST TREASURED POSSESSION:
Family Photographs
FAVOURITE FILM:
The African Queen with Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart
--------------------------------------------------------
When did you start writing?
I wrote my first children's novel in 1966. My second, The Ghosts, written two years later, was a best-seller and was filmed as The Amazing Mr Blunden in 1972. Now a new film version is planned, as well as a stage musical version. My picture books for younger children include The Mousehole Cat about a fisherman and a cat who live in my Cornish cottage (see Favourite Place). Most recently I wrote Tales from the Ballet and then, for Puffin, the Dancing Shoes series about Lucy Lambert who wants to be a ballerina.
Where do you get your ideas?
Often from my own life or other peoples'. The Ghosts was inspired by a visit to an old house; The Ring in the Rough Stuff by going sailing with friends on an old Thames Barge; and The Mousehole Cat by a song I found in Cornwall. For the Dancing Shoes series I had help from my daughter Gemma, who did ballet lessons from the age of three until she was fifteen.
Can you give your top three tips to becoming a successful author?
1. You must be interested in people and all ages. To create good characters, you have to be able to imagine yourself in someone else's shoes and know how they would feel.
2. Read lots of books by good writers and try to see what it is that makes you enjoy them.
3. Write your story, then put it aside and do something different. Then go back to your story and try to read it as if someone else had written it. This makes it easier to see mistakes and to put them right.
Favourite memory?
A sailing holiday in the Greek Islands with my children and my husband, the summer before he was killed in a road accident.
Favourite place in the world and why?
My cottage in the little Cornish fishing village of Mousehole. We don't know how old it is, but it had to have a new roof after some marauding Spaniards set fire to it in 1590. It is small and snug and I can watch the blue-green sea and the little harbour from my window. I go there to rest and unwind and sometimes to work in peace because there is no telephone. It is full of happy memories of holidays with my children.
What are your hobbies?
Walking, especially along the cliffs in Cornwall. Gardening in my poison-free, wild-life garden in Kent. Going to the theatre, ballet, opera and cinema. Watching television, especially BBC classic serials. Best of all, reading books.
If you hadn't been a writer, what do you think you would have been?
I like the idea of myself as an actor or dancer... a painter would have been good too. Unfortunately I don't think I would have had enough talent for any of these. But really I love books, so if I couldn't write them, I think I would have a little bookshop in a small country town.
(courtesy Penguin website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
January 7, 2025
The Mousehole Cat is a picture book retelling of a famous Cornish legend. This particular edition was first published in 1991, written by Antonia Barber and illustrated by Nicola Bayley. It is well deserving of its many awards, and still seems to be in print. Both author and illustrator have produced some of their best work for this large format book. It is a most attractive book, with an engaging story, and will appeal to both children and adults.
Those who know Cornwall will instantly recognise the type of small fishing village and steep harbour - not to mention the rough seas. Cornwall is “picture postcard” pretty sometimes, but the gale force winds around the foot of Great Britain are notorious and can be deadly. “Mousehole” village really exists; in fact the author Antonia Barber used to share her time between a harbourside cottage there and a converted oasthouse in Kent. She dedicated the book to her friends, neighbours (and cats!) in Mousehole.
Mousehole is a quaint fishing village, famous for the very small inlet for boats which gave it its name. The village and its harbour are protected from the ocean by a manmade sea wall with just a single entry point for boats, known as the “mousehole”.
The legend of The Mousehole Cat tells of the old Cornish fisherman Tom Bawcock and the stargazy pie. This version is told by his cat, “Mowzer” (the Cornish pronunciation of “Mouser”), who accompanies him on a fishing expedition in a particularly rough and stormy sea. The literary conceit here, where Mowzer tells the tale of “her pet” Tom, makes it very engaging to read.
In Antonia Barber’s version, the fisherman Tom (based on Tom Bawcock) and his loyal black-and-white female cat, Mowzer, spend their lives happily fishing, cooking their catch and relaxing every evening in their cottage in Mousehole. Tom cooks all sorts of different dishes each evening, from what he catches in the sea; morgy broth (a fish stew), hake (like cod, or haddock) topped with golden mashed potatoes, kedgeree (a dish made with smoked haddock, rice, eggs, butter and spices) with smoked ling, and star-gazy pie on Sundays.
However one year there is a particularly violent winter, which prevents the fishermen from venturing out to sea. All the village are in danger of starving. Tom and Mowzer decide to brave the stormy weather, setting out to catch enough fish to save the town. Everyone is in awe of how brave he is, but Tom knows it is up to him, and not a man with a family.
The storm gets rougher and wilder during their trip, and we see it as a giant ‘Storm-Cat’. Mowzer too sees this great feline spirit, and knows the Storm-cat is angry because he is lonely and frustrated. She saves the day by soothing the tempest with her purring, which eventually becomes an operatic cat “song” which she sings from the boat, thus calming the waters.
As the Storm-Cat is lulled to sleep, Tom is then able to haul his huge catch of fish in and return to the harbour. Everyone cheers to see him, and when they arrive back at the village, the entire catch is cooked into all sorts of dishes, including half a hundred “star-gazy” pies, for their feast.
Star-gazy pie does originate from the fishing village of Mousehole in Cornwall. As with many parts of Cornish heritage, there is a legend about its origins. Tom Bawcock was a local fisherman in the 16th century, and Antonia Barber’s retelling is basically correct, with the charming addition of the feline fantasy. The Cornish dish star-gazy pie is made of baked pilchards (sardines), along with eggs and potatoes, covered with a pastry crust. Although there are a few variations using other types of fish, the unique feature of star-gazy pie is fish heads (and sometimes tails) protruding through the crust, so that they appear to be gazing at the stars.
I have to admit this makes me cringe, but I am a vegetarian, and only recently came across whitebait, which also came as a bit of shock (a whole bowl of tiny fried fish, complete with heads and tails). Nevertheless I put this aside when rating this charming story, from when the staple food of the villagers was the fish they could catch. And the addition of the fantasy element feels magical, with a superbly atmospheric pictorial rendering of the fantasy Storm-cat and the waves.
Nicola Bayley’s illustrations are a perfect complement to the story. They are generally spread across two pages, and “framed” within the pages, with a general background of a seascape and the illustration relating to the page shown in a window.
The artist has a select number of works rather than being prolific. She is most known for her illustrations of cats, such as those for “The Tyger Voyage” a picture book by Richard Adams, which was actually inspired by her art work. She uses watercolours, painting thousands of small dots to create a stippling effect. Her style is soft and gentle with a fine texture; detailed and realistic. Her illustrations were often based on her own pet cats.
The Mousehole Cat won the 1991 British Book Award for Illustrated Children’s Books and was commended for the Kate Greenaway Medal. There was an animated version of it made 3 years later, as well as a live puppet show and more recently a stage musical. I have given this edition to my little cousin who lives in a small seaside town on the South Coast and loves cats, so I hope she will be caught up in the magic of this story.
Antonia Barber wrote both for adults and children of all ages, usually incorporating an element of fantasy. Her book for older children “The Ghosts” was written in 1969, filmed in 1972 as “The Amazing Mr Blunden” and again in 2021, when the book was reissued. My review of that one is under the later title LINK HERE.
Those who know Cornwall will instantly recognise the type of small fishing village and steep harbour - not to mention the rough seas. Cornwall is “picture postcard” pretty sometimes, but the gale force winds around the foot of Great Britain are notorious and can be deadly. “Mousehole” village really exists; in fact the author Antonia Barber used to share her time between a harbourside cottage there and a converted oasthouse in Kent. She dedicated the book to her friends, neighbours (and cats!) in Mousehole.
Mousehole is a quaint fishing village, famous for the very small inlet for boats which gave it its name. The village and its harbour are protected from the ocean by a manmade sea wall with just a single entry point for boats, known as the “mousehole”.
The legend of The Mousehole Cat tells of the old Cornish fisherman Tom Bawcock and the stargazy pie. This version is told by his cat, “Mowzer” (the Cornish pronunciation of “Mouser”), who accompanies him on a fishing expedition in a particularly rough and stormy sea. The literary conceit here, where Mowzer tells the tale of “her pet” Tom, makes it very engaging to read.
In Antonia Barber’s version, the fisherman Tom (based on Tom Bawcock) and his loyal black-and-white female cat, Mowzer, spend their lives happily fishing, cooking their catch and relaxing every evening in their cottage in Mousehole. Tom cooks all sorts of different dishes each evening, from what he catches in the sea; morgy broth (a fish stew), hake (like cod, or haddock) topped with golden mashed potatoes, kedgeree (a dish made with smoked haddock, rice, eggs, butter and spices) with smoked ling, and star-gazy pie on Sundays.
However one year there is a particularly violent winter, which prevents the fishermen from venturing out to sea. All the village are in danger of starving. Tom and Mowzer decide to brave the stormy weather, setting out to catch enough fish to save the town. Everyone is in awe of how brave he is, but Tom knows it is up to him, and not a man with a family.
The storm gets rougher and wilder during their trip, and we see it as a giant ‘Storm-Cat’. Mowzer too sees this great feline spirit, and knows the Storm-cat is angry because he is lonely and frustrated. She saves the day by soothing the tempest with her purring, which eventually becomes an operatic cat “song” which she sings from the boat, thus calming the waters.
As the Storm-Cat is lulled to sleep, Tom is then able to haul his huge catch of fish in and return to the harbour. Everyone cheers to see him, and when they arrive back at the village, the entire catch is cooked into all sorts of dishes, including half a hundred “star-gazy” pies, for their feast.
Star-gazy pie does originate from the fishing village of Mousehole in Cornwall. As with many parts of Cornish heritage, there is a legend about its origins. Tom Bawcock was a local fisherman in the 16th century, and Antonia Barber’s retelling is basically correct, with the charming addition of the feline fantasy. The Cornish dish star-gazy pie is made of baked pilchards (sardines), along with eggs and potatoes, covered with a pastry crust. Although there are a few variations using other types of fish, the unique feature of star-gazy pie is fish heads (and sometimes tails) protruding through the crust, so that they appear to be gazing at the stars.
I have to admit this makes me cringe, but I am a vegetarian, and only recently came across whitebait, which also came as a bit of shock (a whole bowl of tiny fried fish, complete with heads and tails). Nevertheless I put this aside when rating this charming story, from when the staple food of the villagers was the fish they could catch. And the addition of the fantasy element feels magical, with a superbly atmospheric pictorial rendering of the fantasy Storm-cat and the waves.
Nicola Bayley’s illustrations are a perfect complement to the story. They are generally spread across two pages, and “framed” within the pages, with a general background of a seascape and the illustration relating to the page shown in a window.
The artist has a select number of works rather than being prolific. She is most known for her illustrations of cats, such as those for “The Tyger Voyage” a picture book by Richard Adams, which was actually inspired by her art work. She uses watercolours, painting thousands of small dots to create a stippling effect. Her style is soft and gentle with a fine texture; detailed and realistic. Her illustrations were often based on her own pet cats.
The Mousehole Cat won the 1991 British Book Award for Illustrated Children’s Books and was commended for the Kate Greenaway Medal. There was an animated version of it made 3 years later, as well as a live puppet show and more recently a stage musical. I have given this edition to my little cousin who lives in a small seaside town on the South Coast and loves cats, so I hope she will be caught up in the magic of this story.
Antonia Barber wrote both for adults and children of all ages, usually incorporating an element of fantasy. Her book for older children “The Ghosts” was written in 1969, filmed in 1972 as “The Amazing Mr Blunden” and again in 2021, when the book was reissued. My review of that one is under the later title LINK HERE.
October 12, 2024
* I hate hollow ‘like button’ clicks. I write publically for COMMENTS. Please skip the button until you have time to write.*
“The Mousehole Cat” looked unique so I borrowed it from friends. It was published in 1990 by Antonia Barber, of whom I had not heard. She appears to be famous for a ghost novel, which I am now determined to obtain! This story is set in Cornwall, a place I have luckily visited in recent years; or a prairie girl like me would visualize with difficulty what a slipway and ocean wall are. I pictured their safe haven with ease, a wall entrance they call “mousehole”. Accordingly, a dangerous tempest in the ocean outside it resembles a disenchanted cat and is called “Great Storm-Cat”. Mousehole depended on mobility through their port.
I applauded this story immediately, heart-warmed that a cat is the most important part of a man’s life, as ours are for us. Like Tom, Mowzer is elderly and knows where her grown-up offspring are around the village. Many stories cherish cats but staying in touch with offspring is extra special. Near Christmas, this perilous storm kept villagers inside their port; cutting them off from food supplies. Tom knew they couldn’t go without for very long and had less to risk than those raising children. Mowzer, of the same accord, wouldn’t contemplate life without Tom and firmly accompanied him. This was fortuitous because it takes a cat, to calm a cat.
Nicola Bayley’s sketches are entrancing and inviting! Her scenes feel homey and real! It adds a spark that Antonia’s story approximates a veritable Cornish legend. What an uplifting surprise to find that the town, Mousehole, is real. I wondered if this brave sojourn occurred and hoped their town really honours Tom and Mowzer, with loving and grateful reverence at Christmas. By a glance at comments for another reader, I am startled and happy to learn that they do!
“The Mousehole Cat” looked unique so I borrowed it from friends. It was published in 1990 by Antonia Barber, of whom I had not heard. She appears to be famous for a ghost novel, which I am now determined to obtain! This story is set in Cornwall, a place I have luckily visited in recent years; or a prairie girl like me would visualize with difficulty what a slipway and ocean wall are. I pictured their safe haven with ease, a wall entrance they call “mousehole”. Accordingly, a dangerous tempest in the ocean outside it resembles a disenchanted cat and is called “Great Storm-Cat”. Mousehole depended on mobility through their port.
I applauded this story immediately, heart-warmed that a cat is the most important part of a man’s life, as ours are for us. Like Tom, Mowzer is elderly and knows where her grown-up offspring are around the village. Many stories cherish cats but staying in touch with offspring is extra special. Near Christmas, this perilous storm kept villagers inside their port; cutting them off from food supplies. Tom knew they couldn’t go without for very long and had less to risk than those raising children. Mowzer, of the same accord, wouldn’t contemplate life without Tom and firmly accompanied him. This was fortuitous because it takes a cat, to calm a cat.
Nicola Bayley’s sketches are entrancing and inviting! Her scenes feel homey and real! It adds a spark that Antonia’s story approximates a veritable Cornish legend. What an uplifting surprise to find that the town, Mousehole, is real. I wondered if this brave sojourn occurred and hoped their town really honours Tom and Mowzer, with loving and grateful reverence at Christmas. By a glance at comments for another reader, I am startled and happy to learn that they do!
October 17, 2011
If not for the fishing and fish eating, this book would be nearly perfect for me, so 4 ½ = 5 stars.
I love how this book makes clear who is the pet and who’s the boss. The cat is in charge, naturally, and has a man as her pet, and worries when her children can’t seem to control their humans as well as they should. Ha! Perfect.
This is a moving story about a cat and his man who save their community from starvation, and it’s an enthralling story. It involves courage and danger and adventure, and cats of more than one type take prominent roles.
Even better than the story are the incredibly impressively unusual and gorgeous illustrations. They’re amazing.
This is a wonderful folktale like tale, and I expect anyone who appreciates cats and beautiful illustrations, and/or stories that take place in Cornwall England, will thoroughly enjoy it.
Much thanks to Goodreads’ friend Kathryn for encouraging me to read this book.
I love how this book makes clear who is the pet and who’s the boss. The cat is in charge, naturally, and has a man as her pet, and worries when her children can’t seem to control their humans as well as they should. Ha! Perfect.
This is a moving story about a cat and his man who save their community from starvation, and it’s an enthralling story. It involves courage and danger and adventure, and cats of more than one type take prominent roles.
Even better than the story are the incredibly impressively unusual and gorgeous illustrations. They’re amazing.
This is a wonderful folktale like tale, and I expect anyone who appreciates cats and beautiful illustrations, and/or stories that take place in Cornwall England, will thoroughly enjoy it.
Much thanks to Goodreads’ friend Kathryn for encouraging me to read this book.
September 9, 2011
*LOVE*
"At the far end of England, a land of rocks and moorland stretches itself out into a blue-green sea. ... One of these harbours is so small and the entrance between its great stone breakwaters is so narrow that fishermen called it 'the Mousehole'. The people who lived in the cottages around the harbor grew fond of the name and they call their village Mousehole to this day. They say it in the Cornish way, 'Mowzel', but you may say it any way you choose.
"Once there lived in the village a cat whose name was Mowzer. She had an old cottage with a window overlooking the harbor, and old rocking-chair with patchwork cushions and an old fisherman named Tom."
So begins this lovely, sweet, cozy and thrilling tale of Mowzer, and her human Old Tom. Life was happy and sweet in Mousehole until the one winter when the great Storm-Cat came to play in the harbor, trying to catch mice-men whenever they tried to put out to sea and go fishing. One day, Old Tom decides that he must be the one to bring fish to the starving villagers, for he has no wife or parents to mourn for him if the storm catches him, and his children are all grown. Mowzer feels much the same and, in her love for old Tom, accompanies him. But Mowzer has tamed many a wild tom cat before, and perhaps she will have a way to calm the Storm-Cat, too.
I loved this book so much I can't really write an adequate review. It's one of those books that just spoke to me. It is just brimming with love and fondness, for cats, for good people, for people who love cats and cats who love their people, for brave souls, for the seafaring life, and for the dear town of Mousehole, which is a very real place:
http://www.cornwall-online.co.uk/west...
This story is inspired by the old Cornish legend of Tom Bawcock and his festival is celebrated each year:
"In the past, villagers have suffered from the effects of winter storms - one of these events is commemorated annually shortly before Christmas on 'Tom Bawcock's Eve' where a monstrous fish pie is baked and consumed by the patrons of the Inn on the quayside. This event, which becomes a major village party, attracts visitors from both the surrounding district and from all over the world."
If you love cats, England, the sea and/or gorgeous illustrations, don't miss this gem!
"At the far end of England, a land of rocks and moorland stretches itself out into a blue-green sea. ... One of these harbours is so small and the entrance between its great stone breakwaters is so narrow that fishermen called it 'the Mousehole'. The people who lived in the cottages around the harbor grew fond of the name and they call their village Mousehole to this day. They say it in the Cornish way, 'Mowzel', but you may say it any way you choose.
"Once there lived in the village a cat whose name was Mowzer. She had an old cottage with a window overlooking the harbor, and old rocking-chair with patchwork cushions and an old fisherman named Tom."
So begins this lovely, sweet, cozy and thrilling tale of Mowzer, and her human Old Tom. Life was happy and sweet in Mousehole until the one winter when the great Storm-Cat came to play in the harbor, trying to catch mice-men whenever they tried to put out to sea and go fishing. One day, Old Tom decides that he must be the one to bring fish to the starving villagers, for he has no wife or parents to mourn for him if the storm catches him, and his children are all grown. Mowzer feels much the same and, in her love for old Tom, accompanies him. But Mowzer has tamed many a wild tom cat before, and perhaps she will have a way to calm the Storm-Cat, too.
I loved this book so much I can't really write an adequate review. It's one of those books that just spoke to me. It is just brimming with love and fondness, for cats, for good people, for people who love cats and cats who love their people, for brave souls, for the seafaring life, and for the dear town of Mousehole, which is a very real place:
http://www.cornwall-online.co.uk/west...
This story is inspired by the old Cornish legend of Tom Bawcock and his festival is celebrated each year:
"In the past, villagers have suffered from the effects of winter storms - one of these events is commemorated annually shortly before Christmas on 'Tom Bawcock's Eve' where a monstrous fish pie is baked and consumed by the patrons of the Inn on the quayside. This event, which becomes a major village party, attracts visitors from both the surrounding district and from all over the world."
If you love cats, England, the sea and/or gorgeous illustrations, don't miss this gem!
January 1, 2023
This is a truly stunning book. The story is well written, based on a Cornish tale. The illustrations are beautiful. The storm in the book personifies a cat so not only can this book be enjoyed purely for its content, but also useful in school to teach features of writing.
March 1, 2019
Based on the old Cornish legend of Tom Bawcock's Eve, this lovely picture-book offers an engaging story of a cat, her human, and the fishing village they saved from starvation, one cold, blustery winter. Mowzer, a venerable matron cat, whose offspring could be found in many of the important establishments of the village of Mousehole, loved her human, Tom, who was gentle and loving, always provided her with plenty of fish, and knew just where she liked to be scratched (behind her left ear). When the Great Storm-Cat of the seas comes raging along the Cornish coast one bitterly cold winter, preventing all the fishing boats from going out, the residents of Mousehole - both human and feline - face starvation, Tom - too old to leave a grieving widow or parents, and with children grown and far away - decides that it is up to him to do something. Naturally, Mowzer - who knows that human are like mice, in the hands of the Storm-Cat - decides to go along, and her enchanted singing (and purring!) save the day...
This is just a lovely story, from beginning to end: well told, and very touching! I liked the humor of it, and the pathos. I appreciated the fact that Tom is Mowzer's human, rather than she being his cat (all cat-lovers will recognize the truth of this formulation), and warmed to the love between man and feline, man and villagers, and villagers and man. The conclusion, in which the residents of Mousehole line up with their lanterns, and put candles in their windows, to welcome the brave fisherman and cat home, had me tearing up. It is a custom still observed today, in Mousehole, on December 23rd, and The Mousehole Cat is a worthy tribute to that practice! Of course, in addition to the story itself, which is engrossing, the artwork is simply beautiful, and will keep the reader involved. Strongly recommended, to all young cat lovers, and to anyone interested in the culture and folk traditions of Cornwall!
This is just a lovely story, from beginning to end: well told, and very touching! I liked the humor of it, and the pathos. I appreciated the fact that Tom is Mowzer's human, rather than she being his cat (all cat-lovers will recognize the truth of this formulation), and warmed to the love between man and feline, man and villagers, and villagers and man. The conclusion, in which the residents of Mousehole line up with their lanterns, and put candles in their windows, to welcome the brave fisherman and cat home, had me tearing up. It is a custom still observed today, in Mousehole, on December 23rd, and The Mousehole Cat is a worthy tribute to that practice! Of course, in addition to the story itself, which is engrossing, the artwork is simply beautiful, and will keep the reader involved. Strongly recommended, to all young cat lovers, and to anyone interested in the culture and folk traditions of Cornwall!
July 28, 2015
Enjoy a small fishing town, as seen through a cat's eyes! This wonderful books shares life and events from Mowzer's perspective. Mowzer is an sweet black/white tabby cat who lives with a fisherman named Tom. both have seen their share of things over the years and when a terrible storm hits their harbor and the village begins to go hungry it is up to these two to save the day!
I really, really loved the point of view. It is just the right amount of humor to add to a real life situation. From raising kids and the homes they now live in as adults, to how human's are cat's pets and should be taught to behave a certain way. The best part is the imagination to the storm! And the artwork depicts the story perfectly! I fell in love with this children's book. It is a timeless tale that can be shared with generations to come! Of course, the fact that the cat in the story looks an awful lot like mine doesn't hurt!
I really, really loved the point of view. It is just the right amount of humor to add to a real life situation. From raising kids and the homes they now live in as adults, to how human's are cat's pets and should be taught to behave a certain way. The best part is the imagination to the storm! And the artwork depicts the story perfectly! I fell in love with this children's book. It is a timeless tale that can be shared with generations to come! Of course, the fact that the cat in the story looks an awful lot like mine doesn't hurt!
March 19, 2025
What a delightful story.
I found it narrated on youtube, with animations of the illustrations, and a 10-minute segment at the end on how the animation was made. These included interviews with the author, illustrator, and animators, and views of the actual village and the fisherman's cottage which was an illustration of the author's own cottage.
The story was based on an old tale of a flood and an old fisherman who braved the storm to get food to his neighbors. The illustrations were time-consuming and are beautiful and charming. Several were used in conjunction to create the animation. The entire project not only told a story but revived an old legend that brought the village to life again and begot a ritual.
youtube.com/watch?v=m4vL1GFwBuo
I found it narrated on youtube, with animations of the illustrations, and a 10-minute segment at the end on how the animation was made. These included interviews with the author, illustrator, and animators, and views of the actual village and the fisherman's cottage which was an illustration of the author's own cottage.
The story was based on an old tale of a flood and an old fisherman who braved the storm to get food to his neighbors. The illustrations were time-consuming and are beautiful and charming. Several were used in conjunction to create the animation. The entire project not only told a story but revived an old legend that brought the village to life again and begot a ritual.
youtube.com/watch?v=m4vL1GFwBuo
November 6, 2011
Elderly cat saves the day!
September 7, 2020
This is a version of a Cornish story about a brave cat called Mowzer and his owner, Old Tom. When faced with disaster, they find strength in each other to save their town from hunger after a great storm leaves them unable to catch fish.
The book is told from the perspective of Mowzer and I enjoyed how humans are seen as ‘pets’ in his and the other cat’s eyes. Children will enjoy this and may start to think about their own pets in this magical way. It could be used with a year 2, 3, 4 or 5 class.
I love the illustrations that accompany the text, as they would be appealing to all year groups. The colour scheme is a palette of soft blues, greens and silvers; capturing the tranquility of the Cornish sea.
In Art the children could use oil pastels and watercolour to create their own sea-themed paintings and then they could cut out cat outlines to make a silhouette.
In Science we could look at materials and design a new sail for Old Tom’s boat to help him and Mowzer survive the storm.
The class would discuss the various dishes mentioned in the book, especially ‘Stargazy Pie’. They would decide the ingredients for this and write up a selection of recipes and illustrations to go with these. This would become a class Mousehole cookbook.
I would draw attention to Barber’s use of language with the repetition of s and f words, such as “the sea sucked up its strength again”. This emulates the sounds and motions of the sea. These ideas would be transformed into pieces of music.
The book is told from the perspective of Mowzer and I enjoyed how humans are seen as ‘pets’ in his and the other cat’s eyes. Children will enjoy this and may start to think about their own pets in this magical way. It could be used with a year 2, 3, 4 or 5 class.
I love the illustrations that accompany the text, as they would be appealing to all year groups. The colour scheme is a palette of soft blues, greens and silvers; capturing the tranquility of the Cornish sea.
In Art the children could use oil pastels and watercolour to create their own sea-themed paintings and then they could cut out cat outlines to make a silhouette.
In Science we could look at materials and design a new sail for Old Tom’s boat to help him and Mowzer survive the storm.
The class would discuss the various dishes mentioned in the book, especially ‘Stargazy Pie’. They would decide the ingredients for this and write up a selection of recipes and illustrations to go with these. This would become a class Mousehole cookbook.
I would draw attention to Barber’s use of language with the repetition of s and f words, such as “the sea sucked up its strength again”. This emulates the sounds and motions of the sea. These ideas would be transformed into pieces of music.
September 17, 2011
What a wonderful little children's story book!
Based on a true event in the history of Mousehole (pronounced "Mowzel"), Cornwall, this beautifully illustrated story is so fitting for those of us (young and old) who adore cats, Cornwall, and a wee bit of history.
Thanks go to my GR friend Kathryn, whose lovely review inspired me to read a children's book after a 12 year hiatus (I really miss reading to my girl) :(
You can read her review here:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
In conclusion, I really, really, really want to visit Cornwall!
Based on a true event in the history of Mousehole (pronounced "Mowzel"), Cornwall, this beautifully illustrated story is so fitting for those of us (young and old) who adore cats, Cornwall, and a wee bit of history.
Thanks go to my GR friend Kathryn, whose lovely review inspired me to read a children's book after a 12 year hiatus (I really miss reading to my girl) :(
You can read her review here:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
In conclusion, I really, really, really want to visit Cornwall!
December 10, 2021
Great story set in Cornwall. The illustrations are gorgeous.
November 14, 2013
This is a heartwarming tale of a man and his cat. The narrative is magical, old fashioned, and somewhat melancholy and the illustrations evoke an older, nostalgic time. We enjoyed reading this book together.
November 3, 2012
A really beautiful book for children, such lovely pictures!
December 16, 2021
Mousehole (pronounced Muzzle in Cornwall) is a real fishing village and, although not obvious, the story is a Christmas story, Mowser has a wonderful pet human, Old Tom, whom she really loves. He gets her all kinds of fish for her dinner. But one winter the great Storm-Cat is particularly ferocious and, although the harbor is well protected from his fury, no fishing boats can leave the harbor. The town subsists on what vegetables and breads are still available, but even those run out. On Christmas Eve, Old Tom decides the children must not go hungry on Christmas Day. He decides to try his skills against the angry Storm-Cat. Fearing she will lose him, Mowzer goes with him to help protect him against the power of the Storm-Cat.
The illustrations are quite beautiful and I really like that, within neither the story nor the illustrations, do the cats ever behave like anything other than regular cats. Even the Storm-Cat is exquisitely portrayed as completely feline.
The illustrations are quite beautiful and I really like that, within neither the story nor the illustrations, do the cats ever behave like anything other than regular cats. Even the Storm-Cat is exquisitely portrayed as completely feline.
March 23, 2021
I read this to my son for the first time in ages last night. The poor lad is a bit not well so I thought an old favourite would be comforting. I have been reading this lovely book to my children for 14years, since my eldest was tiny, and it remains a much loved story. As soon as I started reading last night and fell into the familiar rhythms, we both felt like we were sailing home.
The story of brave Mowser and old Tom, fighting The Great Storm Cat whilst dreaming of home and food, is so satisfying and the illustrations are incredible.
I think this book, out of the many many books I have read throughout my children's lives, stands out for being the most beautiful, the most soothing and the best beloved.
The story of brave Mowser and old Tom, fighting The Great Storm Cat whilst dreaming of home and food, is so satisfying and the illustrations are incredible.
I think this book, out of the many many books I have read throughout my children's lives, stands out for being the most beautiful, the most soothing and the best beloved.
August 5, 2021
A stunning little book with beautiful illustrations based on an old Cornish legend.
In this book, the cat, Mowzer, is master of his fisherman, old Tom. There is a tiny village in the western part of Cornwall where the harbour is so narrow, it is named Mousehole.
This is such an endearing little book about the love of cats, cats love of their owners, fishermen, and the tiny village of Mousehole.
In this book, the cat, Mowzer, is master of his fisherman, old Tom. There is a tiny village in the western part of Cornwall where the harbour is so narrow, it is named Mousehole.
This is such an endearing little book about the love of cats, cats love of their owners, fishermen, and the tiny village of Mousehole.
November 17, 2018
Lovely, colourful illustrations accompany a captivating story, the storm is portrayed as a cat which adds drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2020
Had to read this old favourite while actually in Mousehole... never gets old.
October 27, 2008
The Mousehole Cat (Best Illustrated Children’s Book Award, UK, 1993)
Intended age group: 5-8
An a brave cat and her pet fisherman risk their lives to save their village from starvation.
Based on a Cornish legend from the seacoast town of Mousehole, this read-aloud story is best for children with long attention spans who enjoy the experience of immersion in pictures and words. When the fishermen of Mousehole cannot take their boats to sea due to a raging storm, Old Tom and his faithful cat, Mowzer, risk their lives to save the people from starvation. Mowzer tames the fury of the “Great Storm Cat” with the soft music of her purring, while Tom fills his nets with fish. Their boat makes it safely back to the harbor, to be greeted by the entire village holding lanterns to light their way. The mesmerizing illustrations of the blue-green, part feline-part hurricane Storm Cat, as well as the cozy warmth of the villager’s kitchens make this a good story to linger over on a winter’s night. That said, I have a personal reason for being interested in Cornwall, and it is a popular vacation destination in England. I'm not sure that this story would resonate as well for U.S. children, who may never have heard of this region.
A Publisher's Weekly reviewer (10/14/96) admired the likeable characters and Bayley's "glowing paintings" of the Storm Cat and his changing moods. Both this reviewer and one in the School Library Journal (2/97 Supplement Vol37 Issue 2) were charmed by the way the story is told from the feline perspective, as well as the marine-themed borders around the text, which I hadn't noticed, but they are sweet. Both reviews were helpful summaries and evaluations of the story.
Intended age group: 5-8
An a brave cat and her pet fisherman risk their lives to save their village from starvation.
Based on a Cornish legend from the seacoast town of Mousehole, this read-aloud story is best for children with long attention spans who enjoy the experience of immersion in pictures and words. When the fishermen of Mousehole cannot take their boats to sea due to a raging storm, Old Tom and his faithful cat, Mowzer, risk their lives to save the people from starvation. Mowzer tames the fury of the “Great Storm Cat” with the soft music of her purring, while Tom fills his nets with fish. Their boat makes it safely back to the harbor, to be greeted by the entire village holding lanterns to light their way. The mesmerizing illustrations of the blue-green, part feline-part hurricane Storm Cat, as well as the cozy warmth of the villager’s kitchens make this a good story to linger over on a winter’s night. That said, I have a personal reason for being interested in Cornwall, and it is a popular vacation destination in England. I'm not sure that this story would resonate as well for U.S. children, who may never have heard of this region.
A Publisher's Weekly reviewer (10/14/96) admired the likeable characters and Bayley's "glowing paintings" of the Storm Cat and his changing moods. Both this reviewer and one in the School Library Journal (2/97 Supplement Vol37 Issue 2) were charmed by the way the story is told from the feline perspective, as well as the marine-themed borders around the text, which I hadn't noticed, but they are sweet. Both reviews were helpful summaries and evaluations of the story.
November 30, 2012
This is a story about a fisherman named Tom and his cat named Mowzer. There are reversing roles in the story as the cat Mowzer is the owner of the man Tom. Usually in stories animals are the pets and humans are the owners. There are many references in the story as humans being pets to cats as Mowzer explains that her children have human pets too but they are not as well behaved as her pet Tom.
The story is told from the perspective of Mowzer and is set in a small village in Cornwall. Mowzer explains that she has a very happy life with Tom as he takes good care of her and cooks the most delicious meals with the fish he catches at sea. However one day a storm began to sturr in the village. Because the storm was so viscious the fisherman were unable to to fish which resulted in a lack of food for the villagers. Tom and Mowzer decide to take a chance and brave the storm and save the village from starvation. When they get to sea Mowzer describes the sea as the great storm cat. Mowzer saves the day by siging to the great storm cat and tamed the storm long enough for them to catch as many fish as they needed. In the end Tom and Mowzer return to the village with plenty of fish for the village and had caused the storm cat to leave the village.
This book would be most suited for Key stage 2 children as this is currently being read by my year 5 class, which they have all really enjoyed. The book has been used to check childrens understanding of the text in a comprehension lesson.
The story is told from the perspective of Mowzer and is set in a small village in Cornwall. Mowzer explains that she has a very happy life with Tom as he takes good care of her and cooks the most delicious meals with the fish he catches at sea. However one day a storm began to sturr in the village. Because the storm was so viscious the fisherman were unable to to fish which resulted in a lack of food for the villagers. Tom and Mowzer decide to take a chance and brave the storm and save the village from starvation. When they get to sea Mowzer describes the sea as the great storm cat. Mowzer saves the day by siging to the great storm cat and tamed the storm long enough for them to catch as many fish as they needed. In the end Tom and Mowzer return to the village with plenty of fish for the village and had caused the storm cat to leave the village.
This book would be most suited for Key stage 2 children as this is currently being read by my year 5 class, which they have all really enjoyed. The book has been used to check childrens understanding of the text in a comprehension lesson.
February 2, 2012
The Mousehole Cat was a pretty long story, and I have to admit, I'm particularly surprised at how long it held my nephew's attention. He's only four, so I did not expect him to listen to this story at all. He tuned in and out, left and came back, so by no means did he hear the entire story. But he heard a lot of it, and looked at lots of the picutres, so I have to assume that *something* about this book hooked him.
I really don't have a good sense of my niece's impression of The Mousehole Cat. She listened to the story, but to be fair, her attention was divided. She was working hard on developing some sort of sympathy-inducing ailment. She was about to get in trouble with her mother for not doing her homework, so she really needed to pull out all the stops. :-)
The pictures in this book are just lovely--I really don't have the words to give them the credit they deserve. The scenes and the colors really were very evocative of a seaside village, and the Storm Cat was just fantastic.
I really don't have a good sense of my niece's impression of The Mousehole Cat. She listened to the story, but to be fair, her attention was divided. She was working hard on developing some sort of sympathy-inducing ailment. She was about to get in trouble with her mother for not doing her homework, so she really needed to pull out all the stops. :-)
The pictures in this book are just lovely--I really don't have the words to give them the credit they deserve. The scenes and the colors really were very evocative of a seaside village, and the Storm Cat was just fantastic.
December 8, 2012
Set in the Cornish village of Mousehole, this book tells the story of Mowzer the cat and her human, old Tom. Tom is a well-behaved human and looks after Mowzer, making sure that she is well kept and cooking her favourite fish dishes.
One terrible winter, the Great Storm-Cat came raging along the coast of Mousehole, preventing all the fishing boats from going out to sea. Because the fishermen could not fish, there was no more food for the villagers to eat. One day, Tom and Mowzer decide to brave the Great Storm-Cat in order to save their village from starvation.
My year 5 class are currently studying this book in Literacy and they love it! This book is cleverly written from the cat’s perspective, where the animals are the masters and the humans are the pets. Using sections of the book we planned and taught lessons on punctuation, grammar and short pieces of writing.
The book has fantastic illustrations, which complement the story and the children found these intriguing.
One terrible winter, the Great Storm-Cat came raging along the coast of Mousehole, preventing all the fishing boats from going out to sea. Because the fishermen could not fish, there was no more food for the villagers to eat. One day, Tom and Mowzer decide to brave the Great Storm-Cat in order to save their village from starvation.
My year 5 class are currently studying this book in Literacy and they love it! This book is cleverly written from the cat’s perspective, where the animals are the masters and the humans are the pets. Using sections of the book we planned and taught lessons on punctuation, grammar and short pieces of writing.
The book has fantastic illustrations, which complement the story and the children found these intriguing.
June 7, 2008
This is an extraordinary book not only well-written but beautifully illustrated. The story is told from the cat's point of view.
It is the story of a cat names Mowzer who lives with her human Tom, an old fisherman, in a coastal English village names Mousehole. Life is good in this small village until one day the "storm-cat" arrives and the subsequent storm prevents the fishing boats from leaving the harbor. Food supplies dwindle and the villagers are threatened so Tom and Mowzer take to sea. The themes of the relationship between cat and pet (her human Tom) and the loyalty to the villagers make it quite sentimental. It may bring tears...just a gorgeous book.
It is the story of a cat names Mowzer who lives with her human Tom, an old fisherman, in a coastal English village names Mousehole. Life is good in this small village until one day the "storm-cat" arrives and the subsequent storm prevents the fishing boats from leaving the harbor. Food supplies dwindle and the villagers are threatened so Tom and Mowzer take to sea. The themes of the relationship between cat and pet (her human Tom) and the loyalty to the villagers make it quite sentimental. It may bring tears...just a gorgeous book.
September 22, 2014
I came across this book on the 1001 Children's Books list (what can I say, I like lists) and it is actually surprisingly well-written and downright exciting for a book aimed at such a young audience. It isn't repetitive or annoying, it has an actual plot that includes funny bits (for instance making it very clear that the cat is in charge in this cat-human relationship), excitement and even a rather touching, heartwarming scene when the old fisherman decides to sail out and save his starving village so no young man has to risk his life. And all that in a short picture book. Not bad, not bad at all!
March 10, 2023
We used this book as the basis for the piece of writing we did in year 4. To begin with, we used the illustrations to help think up of some vocabulary to describe the setting and what they think it would be like, linking in with the senses. I feel the illustrations within this book are very effective to what is being described within the book. They were having to write a piece on Mousehole and it was obvious that the book was based off of the village as it was exactly like the actual village. Highly recommend this book for reading as a book for English or to the children.
January 17, 2019
The message teaches children about bravery and not to be scared when they are faced with difficult challenges, but instead to overcome being frightened and to rise to a difficult challenge.
I would recommend this book because the illustrations helped me to understand the history of the Cornish storms; the idea of the port bring a mouse hole can help children to understand that the storms in Cornwall are rough and strong.
I would recommend this book because the illustrations helped me to understand the history of the Cornish storms; the idea of the port bring a mouse hole can help children to understand that the storms in Cornwall are rough and strong.
August 16, 2013
I bought this book after we visited there in the 1990s. What a lovely story of how a brave little cat saved the town. I'd recommend it to children who are being taught that no matter how small you are, you can do something wonderful and for adults who need to be reminded that no matter how small you are you can do something wonderful.
Beautiful illustrations.
Beautiful illustrations.
February 18, 2013
A wonderfully descriptive and illustrated book for young children and adults alike. I've been fortunate to visit Mousehole and it really is a beautiful place.
October 18, 2016
This is my favorite children's book, because the illustrations are wonderful and I really like the story.
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