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Moses the Kitten
The storytelling magic of James Herriot has become a warm, joyful part of our children's lives. In Moses the Kitten , Herriot tells the tale of a tiny, bedraggled kitty found tucked beside a frozen pond, who is nursed back to health on a nearby farm.
32 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1984
7 people are currently reading
1028 people want to read
About the author
James Herriot
269 books3,412 followersJames Herriot is the pen name of James Alfred Wight, OBE, FRCVS also known as Alf Wight, an English veterinary surgeon and writer. Wight is best known for his semi-autobiographical stories, often referred to collectively as All Creatures Great and Small, a title used in some editions and in film and television adaptations.
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
March 25, 2021
After being rescued from the cold, Moses soon realizes that farm living is the life for him. It’s always said that you can’t choose your family, but Moses decides maybe you can after all. Quaint English farm scenes show an idyllic way of life that is now unfamiliar to many in this richly illustrated story.
June 25, 2011
Moses is a lucky kitten, having been found in the rushes on a cold, cold day and brought to the nearest farm house so they could care for him. He ends up being adopted by a sow, tended to and nursed with her other piglets. It's a sweet tale and our girls really enjoyed it. Some of the vocabulary and dialogue in the book is somewhat old-fashioned and I had to explain several of the words. There were even a few that I'd never seen before. Our youngest picked up this book (the paperback edition with ISBN 0590468588) at a book exchange at her elementary school and I like that it's a challenge for her to read to herself. In any case, she loves looking at the pictures. We liked this story enough to read it a couple of times.
new words: fells, byre
new words: fells, byre
January 1, 2017
This is just one little story from Herriot's collection from his days as a vet. In this one he discovers a kitten all by himself in a field during a very cold winter day. When he takes him to the local farmer, the farmer's wife takes the kitten and revives him using tried-and-true farm techniques. The kitten develops a strong relationship with his foster mother and lives a very happy life. As usual, Herriot tells his story with a matter-of-fact charm that really sets the scene and keeps the reader entertained. This one is simply told and would be easily understood by a small child. The pictures are large and realistic, but warm.
July 11, 2012
This book earns 4 stars because I like James Herriot's stories. My grandmother had all of this country vet's adult chapter books and I remember lying in the guest bedroom at her house reading them all. I found them fascinating when I was about 10-12 years old. However, just adding illustrations (albeit nice ones)to this story doesn't make it a children's book. I think that the vocabulary and sentence structure make this book too difficult for a young child still interested in picture books to read to himself, and as I read this book aloud to my baby I could only imagine the endless amount of questions he'll have once he can talk. I just can't picture reading this to a kid without either boring him or having to sit through a barrage of, "What does that mean?" questions. It's too bad because, as I said, I enjoy James Herriot. But hey, maybe I'm wrong. We'll see what my son thinks of this one when he gets older.
June 1, 2025
Kisah Moses sebenarnya ada di buku James Herriot's Cat Stories. Buku yang saya kasi 5 bintang dan versi terjemahannya sudah republish tiga kali ganti cover (dan saya punya ketiganya :D). Tapi, membaca illustrated booknya, tetap menghangatkan hati.
Moses, kucing kecil hitam ditemukan James di semak-semak dalam kondisi sekarat. James membawanya ke rumah petani di dekat situ, mengira kucing tersebut milik sang petani. Ternyata bukan. Namun, Mr dan Mrs Butler, sang petani, bersedia merawat Moses.
Hingga dua pekan kemudian ketika kembali ke rumah sang petani, James dikagetkan dengan fakta tentang Moses.
***
Membaca illustrated book versi bahasa Inggrisnya, ternyata cukup banyak memakai istilah bahasa Inggris lama (?) atau khas sana. Saya sempat bingung dengan istilah "summat", ternyata maksudnya "something" :D
Moses, kucing kecil hitam ditemukan James di semak-semak dalam kondisi sekarat. James membawanya ke rumah petani di dekat situ, mengira kucing tersebut milik sang petani. Ternyata bukan. Namun, Mr dan Mrs Butler, sang petani, bersedia merawat Moses.
Hingga dua pekan kemudian ketika kembali ke rumah sang petani, James dikagetkan dengan fakta tentang Moses.
***
Membaca illustrated book versi bahasa Inggrisnya, ternyata cukup banyak memakai istilah bahasa Inggris lama (?) atau khas sana. Saya sempat bingung dengan istilah "summat", ternyata maksudnya "something" :D
March 22, 2015
I was probably about 6 when I first read this. And, though the vocabulary isn't really for kids I loved it as its full of pictures in full color. For those of you who have read James Herriot's chapter books, not for little kids, this story is in one of them. Its a heartwarming story, the only children's animal story I've read that truly deserved that description. I think I can safely say that Anyone who loves cats will fall in love with Moses the kitten. He is Adorable. I wanted to go out and find a little kitten to take home with me. Moses is entirely endearing, he wrapped me round his furry paw.
July 7, 2011
A pleasant story for young children, charmingly illustrated, about a young kitten rescued from near death and nursed back to health by an unusual farm animal.
April 22, 2016
This is a childhood favourite, so much so that I named my own kitten after the one in this book. I recommend the James Herriot books to any child with an interest in animals.
November 17, 2017
This book started my desire to read James Herriot. It also made me happy to have black cats in my life since I was a baby.
April 10, 2020
This is very cute, too. The cute little kitty joins the pig family. [:
October 3, 2025
I just loved these quaint stories from a British country vet when I was a child! Keep an eye out for all of his illustrated stories and add them to your children's library!
In honor of his birthday, I made this reel!
Ages: 4 - 8
Content Considerations: nothing to note.
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In honor of his birthday, I made this reel!
Ages: 4 - 8
Content Considerations: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
October 20, 2020
My girls absolutely love James Herriot.
March 31, 2024
I love everything about it except the fact that my 3 yr old now says "What the devil!"
Can't win them all I guess.
Can't win them all I guess.
February 23, 2021
It’s a little wordy and the writing style seems more suited for longer works, but I like the phrasing.
November 1, 2013
My grandmother used to read this book to me when I was my daughter's age. I knew exactly what it was when I found it misfiled in my library's collection and was SO excited. I'd wanted to find her Only One Woof (Wolf in my memory) for a while, but I couldn't find it and kept forgetting to ask my gma about it.
In any event, my daughter LOVES Moses the Kitten, as I suspected she might. It's a sweet story about a country vet who rescues an abandoned kitten with beautiful illustrations. If your wee one likes animals (my 3 y/o is bonkers for all things farm, zoo, and aquarium) and can sit through a more verbose title, brig home Moses the Kitten from your local library!
In any event, my daughter LOVES Moses the Kitten, as I suspected she might. It's a sweet story about a country vet who rescues an abandoned kitten with beautiful illustrations. If your wee one likes animals (my 3 y/o is bonkers for all things farm, zoo, and aquarium) and can sit through a more verbose title, brig home Moses the Kitten from your local library!
October 28, 2015
Moses the Kitten is a beautiful picture book. Told by master storyteller James Herriot and illustrated by Peter Barrett, it will be loved by any young child fortunate enough to have a copy. The pictures are absolutely gorgeous full-color paintings of an old-fashioned farm in Yorkshire, England.
Read my full review here.
January 8, 2016
The story is fine, but I don't like it as a kids book because: very long sentences containing few commas, unnecessarily big and flowery words (not great for young kids, but probably good if you can explain them to older kids), unfamiliar/uncommon English (summat, owt).
My kids are four and two. Maybe I'll change my mind as they age.
My kids are four and two. Maybe I'll change my mind as they age.
July 1, 2018
True life story with great illustrations...you can practically feel the sheep and hear the cows. Surprises throughout, and a heartwarming tale that I know all cat lovers will enjoy, not just my nieces.
March 19, 2020
This is one of the books that was like... a short story first and then someone was like, "Let's illustrate that. I think kids will like it." But it still feels much more like something written for adults. It's fun and cute, but it had that weird feel.
October 1, 2021
4 stars & 4/10 hearts. What a sweet little story! I really enjoyed it. Peter Barrett's illustrations are so nice, and really compliment the text. I enjoyed the writing style, and I loved the quaint dialect and the old-fashioned feel! A cozy little winter read.
Content: One "what the devil".
Content: One "what the devil".
December 6, 2020
I've come to appreciate Herriot's stories with older characters. There are plenty of stories about kids with animals, but a story that kids will enjoy that features only adults is worthy of anyone's bookshelf. The relationship between a pig and a cat is indeed special.
July 5, 2017
Cute story, cute illos.
July 2, 2017
There is a lovely surprise in this book - avoid spoilers ^_^
October 25, 2017
Fun to re-read these with my little girl... she's loving them as much as I did (do)! :)
March 17, 2018
One of my favorite stories to share with middle grade kids. It is a beautiful short story that is a higher reading level for them.
March 30, 2018
I bet I would have loved this when I was a kid. The illustrator didn’t quite get the kitten’s face right on all the pages, and it creeps me out a little.
April 20, 2018
Sweet story; great intro to James Herriot for young readers
May 10, 2019
It has what every good picture book should have: Rich prose, a sweet story, and gorgeous pictures. I love a children's author who includes words like "congenial" and "incongruous."
May 9, 2020
A great way to introduce my kids to one of my favorite authors.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews