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.

About the Author

Antonia Barber is an award-winning writer of children's and adult fiction, including her bestselling picture book Catkin, illustrated by P. J. Lynch, and her adult novels, The Ghosts and The Ring in the Rough Stuff, both of which were shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. Antonia divides her time between a converted oast house in Kent and a cosy harbourside cottage in the real Cornish village of Mousehole.

Nicola Bayley, once shortlisted and twice commended for the Kate Greenaway medal, is perhaps best known for her loving, detailed depictions of cats, and has captured the hearts of her readers in titles such as The Necessary Cat, The Patchwork Cat, The Mousehole Cat, Katje the Windmill Cat and Rudyard Kipling's classic, The Jungle Book: Mowgli's Story. Nicola lives in London.

Reviews
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 *


Awards
Winner of British Book Design and Production Awards 1991 (UK) and Galaxy British Book Awards: The Illustrated Children's Book of the Year 1990 (UK). Short-listed for Children's Book Award 1991 (UK) and Kate Greenaway Medal (CILIP) 1990 (UK) and Nestle Smarties Book Prize 1990 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9780744523539
Author Antonia Barber
Format Paperback
Page Count 40
Imprint Walker Books Ltd
Publisher Walker Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 190g
Dimensions(mm) 225mm * 225mm * 5mm