A picture book favourite, this is the dramatic and moving Cornish tale of a cat and a fisherman who brave the stormy seas to save their village. This is the stunningly illustrated story of the seaside village of Mousehole Cornwall, where Mowzer the cat lives happily with old fisherman Tom – Tom who rocks the rocking chair just right, and catches fresh fish for dinner every night. Their life is a happy one – until one terrible winter, the Great Storm-Cat comes clawing and snarling and leaping at the harbour walls, so that no boat can go out to sea to fish. Soon, with Christmas coming, there is no food left in Mousehole. It is then that Mowzer and Tom set out to brave the fury of the waves together, and discover that it might just need a cat’s perspective to understand – and tame – the ferocious ways of the Great Storm-Cat sea… Gently yet powerfully told, this incredibly moving story of bravery, sacrifice and companionship inspired by Cornish legend is sure to connect with readers of all ages, new and old alike.
'One of the best children's books I have read for years.' - Sunday Independent
'Quite perfect.' - Eastern Daily Press
'Everyone's favourite children's book. A delight to read and enjoy for a lifetime' - Western Morning News
'This beautifully illustrated tale tells the story of fisherman Tom Bawcock and his cat Mowser. It's adapted for the stage several times and is celebrated every year in Mousehole's famous Christmas lights and lantern parade, on Tom Bawcock's Eve.' - MuddyStilletos
Author
About Antonia Barber
Antonia Barber comes from a theatrical family, and began making up stories and plays in early childhood. After studying at the University of London, she became a playwright, and then a successful children’s author. A splendid storyteller, she has been writing children’s books for almost thirty years, and has a warm following among children and their parents.
Her previous books include The Mousehole Cat; a finalist for the Smarties Prize, winner of the 1990 British Book Award and Commended for the 1991 Kate Greenaway Medal; it was later made into an animated film, The Enchanter’s Daughter and Ghosts, which was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and filmed as The Amazing Mr Blunden.
Antonia Barber lives with her three children in Kent.
