Book Title: A Cat Called Trim (available here)
Author: Corinne Fenton
Illustrator: Craig Smith
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication Date: September 2019
Most Suitable For: KS1
Reviewed By: Emma Hughes, School Librarian
This delightfully illustrated picture book is based on the real-life story of a cat called Trim and his loyal guardian Captain Matthew Flinders.
Captain Matthew Flinders was an English navigator and cartographer who was born in 1774 and circumnavigated the world, adding detail and description to the first discoveries.
The story starts when Trim was born aboard the ship HMS Reliance; as a little kitten he finds himself overboard in choppy seas. His bravery and resilience shines through and he is able to swim back to the ship and climb a rope back to safety. As a soggy little kitten, he quickly becomes a favourite of Captain and crew. He took advantage of his position by enjoying the best of the food and revelled in the attention bestowed upon him.
What follows is an insight into life aboard the various ships that he travels on, with each page detailing the name of the ship/ voyage, and ultimately the circumstances under which they part company.
The illustrations are detailed, lifelike and in keeping with the style of the period; the colours are vibrant and appealing. The vocabulary and language used make it a great book to read aloud, and would suit an audience of six- and seven-year-old children. The story jumps to voyages and a somewhat open ending allows for maximum discussion.
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You can order A Cat Called Trim online or from your local bookshop or library.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending us a review copy of this book and to Review Panel member Emma for reviewing it.
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