Fast forward several decades and my mom grabbed a copy of Time Cat when the library put it in their book sale and then gave it to us because she knew I liked the author. The one on the right would definitely have captured my imagination more. Perhaps because the copies in my library had an atrocious cover. Time Cat floated around in my awareness but for some reason I never picked it up. Fun side note, I suggested Vesper as a name for our second daughter because of loving Vesper Holly and how well Eva Green carried it in Casino Royale but it was nixed by my SO. This is an enjoyable book for ages 8 – 12.Growing up I adored Lloyd Alexander for the Prydain Chronicles and the Vesper Holly series.

While this classic children’s book has been around for quite a while, I read it for the first time this year, and it felt as if it were written just yesterday!Ĭheck out other other books by Lloyd Alexander if you like this one.

The book isn’t really historical fiction, as much as it is historical fantasy the historical element in the book is a great way to review different time periods that an older child may have studied. For sensitive or younger children, I would perhaps advise skipping the chapter on witches, which is historically accurate, but could be upsetting to younger children. The uplifting message in each chapter allows us to see that even what appear to be difficult human traits can eventually be overcome, especially if you are in the company of a clever cat. Every chapter has an adventure of its own, with a very satisfying and successful conclusion. Each chapter takes the reader into another historical time period, where the culture is fairly accurately portrayed, as we glimpse the local attitude towards cats. Whether you love cats or not, this gentle children’s book is well-written, fun to read, and educational. This children’s book stands out through the heart-felt and accurate portrayal of cats and their behavior, sharing traits that are often missed by non-cat lovers. But in the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit any well-written children’s book which includes cats will win my heart. As we tell the kittens, you can only wash one paw at a time.” “The only thing a cat worries about is what’s happening right now.

Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander