The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale
Cat and mouse may be traditional enemies, but in this appealing historical novel, a cheese-loving tom cat named Skilley takes up residence at London’s Ye Old Cheshire Cheese, where he befriends Pip, one of the many mice living at the inn. With Pip’s help, Skilley convinces the innkeeper that he’s a fierce mouser, all the while secretly releasing his “victims.” The amiable Charles Dickens, a frequent customer attempting to write another novel, observes them with amusement. Meanwhile, one of the royal ravens from the Tower of London is hidden away in an upstairs room. The plot thickens when a wicked cat threatens Skilley, the mice, and the raven. With many likable characters, a couple of enjoyably despicable ones, and a lovingly depicted period setting, this eventful chapter book has plenty to offer young readers. Familiarity with Dickens’ novels is not a prerequisite for enjoying the story but will add to the pleasure of those who recognize the references here and there. Moser’s expressive pencil drawings capture the characters and the sometimes amusing, sometimes exciting tone of the story with finesse. Grades 4-6. --Carolyn Phelan