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THE MOUSEHOLE CAT by Antonia Barber Kirkus Star

THE MOUSEHOLE CAT

By

Pub Date: Sept. 30th, 1990
Publisher: Macmillan

In an engaging story inspired by a Cornish legend, cats think of themselves as masters in their homes in the seaside village of Mousehole. But when the ""Great Storm-Cat"" that lurks outside the little harbor lays siege, food grows scarce. Since old fisherman Tom has no immediate family, he and his cat Mowzer choose themselves to venture into the treacherous sea to catch fish, which they are able to do after Mowzer calms the Storm-Cat by singing and purring. In precise, lovingly detailed paintings, Bayley renders the charming village, the glistening catch, and--especially--a sinuous blue-green Storm-Cat, a splendid creature of wind and misty moonlight. The conclusion, with the whole village eagerly awaiting Tom and then cooking up a Christmas feast of Cornish dishes such as star-gazy pie and soused scad, is a perfect conclusion to this heartwarming, beautifully designed book.