Able Seacat Simon: The True Story of a Very Special Cat

By Author / Illustrator

Lynne Barrett-Lee

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

Publisher

Simon & Schuster Ltd

ISBN

9781471158919

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

03-11-2016

Synopsis

The abridged, junior edition of the story of Able Seacat Simon, beloved hero of the high seas. A must for Michael Morpurgo fans!

When an orphaned kitten is discovered in the Hong Kong docks in 1948 by a British sailor, he has no idea of the journey that awaits him. Smuggled onto HMS Amethyst and named 'Simon' by his new friends, the little cat quickly gets used to life on the seas and appoints himself chief rat-catcher.

When tragedy strikes, Seacat Simon keeps spirits up - but it's a long and dangerous journey back to England for the heroic kitten and his crewmates . . .

Inspired by real events, this is the story of 'Able Seacat' Simon's adventures and heroics in dangerous wartime seas, as told by the cat himself!

Reviews

When an orphaned kitten is found hiding on the docks in Hong Kong, he is smuggled aboard HMS Amethyst to become the ship's cat, with the very important job of being chief rat-catcher. Based on real events, this is the story of what happened to the ship and its crew while on a peace keeping mission during the Chinese Civil War, as told from Simon's perspective. A heartwarming tale of courage and companionship, highlighting the bravery of the men and animals of the British Navy, without ever feeling like a history lesson. The glossary at the end provides explanations of all the Naval terminology used throughout the story. 272 pages / Ages 7+ / Reviewed by Nicki Cleveland.