Robert Westall was without doubt one of the finest children's authors of the 20th century. In this marvellous collection, his favourite themes come to the fore - cats, christmas and ghosts. Beautifully illustrated by enormously respected John Lawrence, there is a chilling but moving ghost story, a totally absorbing cat story both of which are centred around Christmas. Westall explores wider themes too: childhood experiences, family relationships and social justice. This is a very special book indeed and a marvellous gift for anyone of 8 upwards.
In The Christmas Cat a girl’s miserable holiday at her uncle’s vicarage is saved by the appearance of an unruly neighbour and an abandoned, pregnant, cat. In The Christmas Ghost a boy has a hair-raising Christmas Eve encounter with a ghost at the factory where his father works – a ghost who must convey a desperate message. It is only by convincing the adults around them to believe – in them or other people – that the two protagonists save the spirit of Christmas. With atmospheric masterful line drawings by John Lawrence this is a very special book – for Christmas or any time of year.
"Like a good gingerbread, both tales have sweetness, spice and bite." Publishers Weekly
Author
About Robert Westall
Robert Westall was born in Northumberland and went to school in Tynemouth. He studied fine art at Durham University and after he graduated he worked as an art teacher. Despite having two degrees in Fine Art, and majoring in Sculpture, Robert Westall spent his working life teaching art in secondary schools, and writing only in his spare time. He loved teaching and worked in Birmingham, Yorkshire and Cheshire as a head of department.
He has had around 40 books published and they vary from ghost stories to fantasy epics.
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