Dread Cat

Continuing the series of wide-ranging stories for newly independent readers is this clever cat-and-mouse tale of treachery and defiance, unity and come-uppance.

Dread Cat is ferociously fierce, a killer of a cat. The mere sight of him is enough to make the mice scamper down their hidey-holes. Of course, this does nothing for Dread Cat’s reputation for he doesn’t get to pounce on a single mouse. So he comes up with a plan and offers the mice a truce. He invites them to walk past him at night in single file and promises to greet each with a tasty morsel of cheese. The lure of cheese is just too tempting, so they agree. Dread Cat seems to be keeping his word – but soon their number dwindles. It’s time for the mice to investigate.

The story has a wide appeal. A charming, deeply satisfying tale in itself, its moral – solidarity in the face of danger – will trigger much discussion and appeal to readers with a higher interest level.  The story is suspenseful and tautly crafted. Filled with rhythm, wit and vigour, it reads well aloud, using repetition and alliteration to great effect. The expressive illustrations sit elegantly on the page and work harmoniously with the text.