The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs

by Cylin Busby, Gerald Kelley (Illustrator)

The story of cat Jacob Tibbs, runt of the litter, and his exploits on the high seas as a ship's mouser.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Animals, Adventure, Cats, Fiction, Childrens

272 pages, Library Binding

First published February 2, 2016

About the author

Cylin Busby is the author of several teen books and numerous articles as well as the acclaimed young adult memoir, THE YEAR WE DISAPPEARED,which was a Wall Street Journal bestseller, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, and a Cybils Award winner.
Her latest novel, THE NINE LIVES OF JACOB TIBBS, has earned starred reviews and was an Amazon Best Book of the Month. The former Senior Editor of Teen Magazine, Cylin now lives in Los Angeles with her family.

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read books geared towards young readers all that often (even as a child I started reading books for adults at a young age), but I'll buy almost anything that involves cats. Set in the year 1847, "The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs" is narrated by the titular feline. The runt of his litter, over the course of the book we witness his transformation into both a courageous ratter and a weather sphinx (that is, a cat who can predict storms): in other words, a fine cat-o'-sea. I quite enjoyed my time spent in the company of Mr. Jacob Tibbs, and found him to be a very plucky protagonist to root for, though I should also point out that his human friends were also well characterized. A lot of detailed information is provided as to what life was like for cats living aboard packet ships in the 1800s, and the plot had a lot of interesting twists and turns, with Jacob encountering everything from storms, mutinies, haunted islands, monstrous rats, poisonous snakes, and more. All in all, I would recommend this heartwarming (and at times heartbreaking) tale of derring-do on the high seas to anyone who has an interest in novels featuring cats (also, the tasteful black and white illustrations are a nice touch).

[Shaun Heneghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I don't write for children.
I write, and then someone says, 'That's for children.'"
--Maurice Sendak to Stephen Colbert on "The Colbert Report," January 2012

Like Maurice Sendak, author Cylin Busby has entered an elite circle of authors whose writing is too honest to fit into a simple genre. Busby has written everything: YA lit, true life crime thrillers, middle-school novels, etc. Each one simply shines.

The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs doesn't tell the reader a story from a cat's viewpoint; instead, it transports the reader into the cat's world. We share everything with the runt of the litter, Jacob Tibbs: the painful loss of his mother, the serious responsibility of his role as ship's mouser, his joyful camaraderie with his shipmates, and his unbreakable loyalty to his captain.

Busby's greatest strength is her deep regard for the emotional strength of the young reader. The author empathizes deeply with the psychological intensity we all must undergo to grow up. This book does not condescend to the young reader; rather, this book lifts the reader, young or old, into greater world.

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs is a grounded historical adventure novel told from the perspective of a ship's cat in the 1800s. The writing is smooth and the author adds many nuances to the ship's sailors - raising them above simple good or evil stereotypes. Tibbs can alternately like and dislike his sailor comrades as they behave in bafflingly human ways. But the plot always moves and there are some beautiful illustrations to accompany chapter heads.

Story: Born on board a ship at port, Jacob Tibbs is the runt of the litter of the proud ship cat, Mrs. Tibbs. Due to superstitions about white paws, he is believed to grow to be a poor ratter. Subsequently, he is overlooked when his brothers and sisters are taken to new ship homes. But he has inherited his mother's skills and weather sense - and will do his best to learn how to rat, help predict storms, and otherwise rise and fall with the fortunes of his ship.

The story is uniquely grounded - people die or are injured in storms/harsh conditions and mercurial sailors make life difficult. Jacob Tibbs' life depends on quickly learning skills to be useful (or it would be overboard for the kitten). The story is from his perspective and he quickly learns that the choices he make will determine if he lives or dies on the merchant ship.

The story really shines in the characterizations: from sailors who will pet him one day and then threaten to throw him overboard the next - to a captain trying to do the right thing but also feeling the pressure of turning a profit with each voyage. There were no evil or good characters in this book; some are greedier, some selfish, others melancholic - but each provides a very distinct challenge for the kitten.

Jacob Tibbs is inexorably tied to the ship. As such, mutiny, storms, shipwreck, and the sailors themselves all present distinct dangers. The theme of the story is Tibbs coming into his own from kitten to juvenile, while proving his worth and loyalty to the ship and crew. Although lacking the fantastical elements of books like Warrior Cats, I can't help but feel fans of that series will also revel in Tibbs as he overcomes challenges and proves his worth to the captain and crew. I was also greatly reminded of the movie The Three Lives of Thomasina, especially a poignant and heartwarming ending in Jacob Tibbs.

In all, a book worthy of every children's library - a true classic. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

question: why isn't this book getting more award buzz? I don't get it. A little bit Newberry bait but still really good historical fiction from the perspective of a captains cat! The adventures are compelling and the whole novel is really unique.

ETA: okay, I see now this is not being published until next year! My mistake

[༺Kiki༻ · Rating 4 out of 5]

You might also enjoy:

✱ Anton and Cecil series
✱ Varjak Paw
✱ Bluecrowne and The Left-Handed Fate

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a card carrying member of 'team dog' but I have to admit that this poignant story of an orphaned runt kitten touched my heart. High caliber writing, old-fashioned adventure--a 'shiny sticker' book. Not quite right for my high school students, I see this as squarely middle grade (perhaps reluctant rising 9th graders who want an animal story?). Cat lovers of any age will enjoy and ask for similar titles.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat lovers will love this story! I know it's mainly for grade school kids, but I loved reading it! Ship's cats have always intrigued me, and I've read about a few real life ones, but the fictional cats are fun reads, too. I think any age could enjoy this tale.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, at some parts it was surprising and at other parts it was sad.One part that was sad was when there was a big storm and they didn't listen to Jacob Tibb's mother. I think this book also was strange because why would someone want to trap a cat in a barn and try it to sell it to someone even if it could have been someone's and then blame the poor kitty that it is their fault that they have white paws and that no one wants a cat who has white paws because in the time those cats were considered bad mousers aboard ships.in the book it said that when Jacob Tibbs was caught by a farmer after being rescued running away because the men who got saved were aboard a different ship so the other ship's captain who rescued that captain told the police that and they went to jail and Jacob Tibbs ran away and was trapped in a cage by an old man who wanted to sell him to some captain and crew members from another ship for a lot of money. The men refused and the old man blamed it on Tibbs but then later Tibbs escaped by opening the lock, and somehow running to find his captain and the two other crew members since in the begining got kicked off their own ship and found the other ship who betrayed them even though they gave them food and everything.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Tibbs is the cat of the Mesilla Rae sea ship in the 1800's. She has a letter of six kittens that are quickly adopted except one. That kitten is the runt and has four white paws. While cats are considered lucky on the ships, the kitten has two strikes against him -- one being that he was the runt of the litter and second he has four white paws which sailors believe that the mice and rats on the ship will see him coming before he can catch them. The captain's young daughter convinces him to keep the kitten and is name Master Jacob Tibbs. Jacob learns from his mother that he can also predict the weather -- when a storm is coming and how to let the captain know. Once out to sea, his mother predicts a storm coming but due to the greed of the first mate, the captain decides to ignore Mrs. Tibbs predicament. Mrs. Tibbs and a sailor are killed during the storm. The captain is grievously taken ill. When the second mate suggests that if they go back from where they left, the captain's life may be spared. The first mate who is now Captain decides it is mutiny and has three sailors and the ill captain drop into the longboat along with Jacob as he doesn't like him. Will the men and Jacob survive?

The novel is about life on a ship told by the cat Master Jacob Tibbs. It is also about the coming of age adventure story of Mastter Jacob. There is an authentic flavor to living on sea during the 1840's time period. It is an excellent story not just for adventure fans but also for cat fans.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Penmouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs by author Cylin Busby tells about the life of a ship's cat during the mid-1800s. Tibbs was born aboard ship to his mother the beloved ratter of the Melissa Rae. Tibbs life is off to a somewhat rocky start as he's the runt of the litter and born with four white paws. Sailors of yore thought the all white paws would inhibit a cat's ability to track down and kill vermin.

Tibbs lives a life of adventure, and sadness, as he falls victim to a terrible storm, a mutiny, and the loss of his mother Mrs. Tibbs. Through all his adventures the reader sees these events through Tibbs eyes and learns much about the nautical life.

Overall, this is a very good book as the reader, both young and old, is able to learn about clipper ships and nautical history.

The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs is being advertised as a book written for young readers and children's fiction. I would suggest this book is truly targeted for an older reading audience, an audience that reads "chapter books" as The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs is not a picture book. It is a chapter book filled with sophisticated children's writing and events.

Recommend.

Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It is cool how the author goes into detail about the birth of the kittens and all that happened, I also like the idea of a ship having a cat on it. Mrs Tibbs reminded me of my cat, but a little younger. I like to think that this sort of survival story of a cat could have happened in real life. Anyway, it was a great book and a sequel might be something to consider :D

[Jenettewellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cat voice is utterly authentic! Reading this made me hug my little Scottish fold a bit tighter tonight. A great old fashioned adventure for kids, really well written. Loved it. (Have to admit I did not love love love the look of Jacob on the cover though. In my mind, he was much cuter ☺)

[Rena · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. How could one not love Jacob and his adventures at sea? A truly compelling historical nautical novel about a seafaring kitten and his human “mates” on a doomed voyage over the Atlantic.

[Kim Quon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a special book, haven't read anything like this before (except for maybe One and Only Ivan). Another one I'm adding to my awards lists for 2015-2016. Longer review after it comes out!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cat goes to sea story for middle schoolers. Well done. Story is told by Jacob Tibbs - official ship's cat. He learns to kill the mega rats, climb the rigging and keeping the captain on course.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful book!! Will post a longer review once it is released. Thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy for me to review.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me awhile to finally read this book but when I did I did enjoy it. Jacob is a tiger-striped, runt of the litter, kitten whose mother happens to be the ship's cat. His mother is a great ratter and can also predict stormy weather. As the boat sets out on its voyage to deliver goods and supplies to the new world, his mother predicts a storm but the new first mate, (who also happens to be the shipping company owner's son) insists that they make haste to deliver the goods. A violent storm ensues, the captain is injured and the ship is damaged. What will happen next? Read this book to find out.
Recommended for 4th graders and older.

[Rex Libris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The captain of the packet ship "Melissa Rae" believed that everyone with a proper name had a soul, thus all of his ship's cats had names. The current ship's cat, Mrs. Tibbs, had a litter, and thus Jacob Tibbs was named.

I do not want spoil the story, but suffice it to say the lives of the Jacob and the crew of the Melissa Rae are not a happy lot. But Jacob et al are not quitters and make the best of it.

Regardless of the bad circumstances, or in spite of the bad circumstances, this is a well-crafted book that pulls you into the story. I did not want to put it down. I understand it is along the lines of a youth or YA book, but it is a good read for people of any age.

[Two BookWorms Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob Tibbs is a ship’s cat. He’s just a little guy – a kitten and the runt of the litter – but he’s the son of the infamous Mrs. Tibbs, a formidable ratter and a cat who can accurately foretell the weather. Mrs. Tibbs is famed on the docks of Liverpool and her kittens are much desired – all except little Jacob. So Captain Natick sets sail for American with both Mrs. Tibbs and her young son on board.

For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...

[KrisTina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know I'm not the demographic for this book - but it was the library's "Boys Book Club" read for the month so me and my son read it. And you know what - he would NEVER have read this on his own (and I would never have read it had I not been making my son read it) - but I really liked it. It's a fun tale and honestly - I had no idea what a life as a cat on a ship would be like. And now I know a little bit more. Totally recommend for children just because it's a little bit different than what is so prevalent and that's a good thing.

[Barbara Kaaikala · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very good as simply a fun story for young readers who enjoy animals, but excels in teaching children history in a way that captures their interest. The story is of the adventures of the "ship's cat" and his human shipmates on a merchant ship sailing from England to the United States in the 1800's. At the end of the book is a page that details that there really were "ship's cats like the one in the story.

[Austen to Zafón · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Treasure Island, this book is pretty realistic about what life at sea might have been like. It was no picnic and death wasn't uncommon. I don't want to spoil the plot, but this book does deal with some serious issues like cruelty and mental illness. That said my son, who is 12, loved the details and of course, because it's from the point of view of a cat, he loved it all the more.

[Library K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the author's style was good, the book was not. The book was filled with things that would happen (mostly bad/sad) but the story really didn't go anywhere. There didn't seem to be much of a point to the story except to try to make the reader emotional. The only thing that kept the book from earning a 1 star was the writing style made some of the characters lifelike.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great read out loud family book. My nine year old loved it especially since he loves stories about animals. The author bases her story off of the various ship cats from historical records and rolls those experiences into this story of a cat called Jacob Tibbs. Great story about loyalty, doing what is right in the face of hardship, and holding true friends close to you always.

[Analie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice story. Jacob the cat makes a good character - he's resourceful, endearing, and he can tell the weather. Through his story, I learned a lot about superstitions sailors had about ship's cats. I also liked the use of British and sailing vocabulary throughout the story, like "milk and water seas."

[Cara Noyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story of a nautical, weather-predicting cat who saves the day.
The story is well written, full of adventure and has a satisfying climax and denouement. The castaway kitty survives being thrown overboard and discovers an island with his captain and crew.
Anyone who is a cat lover will love Jacob's escapades. I especially liked his showdown with Leo Bear and the snake.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up. I read this aloud to my 7 year old and we both enjoyed it very much. We love cats, so a book from the perspective of a ship’s cat (didn’t even know that was a thing) was very interesting. It was a great adventure and there were some sad and tragic parts that might be too much for sensitive young readers. But overall we loved it.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have an orange cat, so of course I grabbed this book when I happened to see it in the library. My fifteen year old was mortified so I guess I don't recommend it for high school students. Great for upper elementary/middle schoolers who are interested in cats, history, or sailing. Also great for middle aged ladies who would enjoy having strong maternal feelings about a fictional cat.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this old-fashioned feeling tale of a ship's cat whose first voyage was struck by tragedy when his mother died and the Captain of the ship was severely wounded. A real adventure story that kept up the interest.




First Line: "I was born on a ship, the runt of a six-litter."

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is set in 1837, and is narrated by Jacob Tibbs, cat o' the sea.
Busby gives a detailed description of daily life on board a three
masted "packet" ship from a cat's point of view.

The story reminded me of the Old English folk tale of: Dick Wittington and his cat.