Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats
1939
- cats
- poetry
- juvenile poetry
- american poetry
- children's poetry, american
- poesias infantiles inglesas
- gatos
- poesía inglesa
- poesia
- poetry (poetic works by one author)
The story
T. S. Eliot’s playful cat poems have delighted readers and cat lovers around the world ever since they were first published in 1939. They were originally composed for his godchildren, with Eliot posing as Old Possum himself, and later inspired the legendary musical Cats. Now with vibrant illustrations by the award-winning Axel Scheffler, this captivating edition makes a wonderful new home for Mr. Mistoffelees, Growltiger, the Rum Tum Tugger, Macavity the mystery cat, and many other memorable strays. It’s the perfect complement to the beloved previous edition, which remains available. - Publisher.
What it’s like
Bright, bouncing verse with a sly, sing-song rhythm, the kind of lines that get read aloud at bedtime and then again for the jokes. The voice is dry and affectionate, with nonsense words and mock-solemn asides that sit gently between children's rhyme and adult wit. Scheffler's full-colour illustrations are lively and expressive, with bold shapes, warm yellows and greens, and cats who look thoroughly pleased with themselves. Each poem is a short, self-contained portrait, so it works well for dipping into over a cup of tea, on a slow weekend morning, or as a comfort read when you want something light. The conflicts are mild and mostly comic, a mock-heroic skirmish or a mysterious disappearance, with no graphic violence, fear or cruelty. The emotional register is cheerful and tender, with a little gentle melancholy in the odd quieter verse. It suits anyone who wants something gentle and playful, particularly readers who enjoy language for its own sake and families sharing poems across ages.
More books like Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved Old Possum's Book of Practical Catsand we’ll explain which ones fit you.
