Books For Keeps
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Articles
  • Past Issues
  • Latest Issue
  • Authors and Artists
  • Latest News
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
May 1, 2014/in Picture Book, Poetry 8-10 Junior/Middle /by Angie Hill
BfK Rating:
BfK 206 May 2014
Reviewer: Ferelith Hordon
ISBN: 978-0571308132
Price: £7.99
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Genre: Picture Book, Poetry
Age Range: 8-10 Junior/Middle
Length: 32pp
Buy the Book

Macavity, the Mystery Cat

Author: T S EliotIllustrator: Arthur Robins

Re-imagining a text that already has an established image through the illustrations is always a little risky. Since Nicolas Bentley first populated Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats with his  dapper cats-about-town, other illustrators have presented their view, notably Edward Gorey and most recently, Axel Scheffler. Now Arthur Robins has taken up the challenge in this picture book edition of Eliot’s much loved poem about Macavity. The result is great fun.

Here Macavity is very definitely disreputable – and frequently not there, his tail or paw disappearing off the page to the delight of young readers, who, encouraged by the text design, can all join in with the chant. The rhythm of Eliot’s words carry the reader from page to page – what a brilliant introduction to poetry – and there is nothing worthy about it; even the font has a suggestion of anarchy while remaining clear and legible; no gimmicks here. Macavity, himself, is gloriously unkempt, with a wicked glint in the eye. He is a cat for today, a street moggy, and very much in control.

This is  a very welcome addition to any bookshelf, whether library or at home. The picture book format ensures it will appeal to the youngest as it should. However,  the very modern illustrations suggestive of familiar cartoon worlds, combined with Eliot’s genius, make it a book for all ages. Let us hope  that there will be more from this partnership.

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bfklogo.png 0 0 Angie Hill http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bfklogo.png Angie Hill2014-05-01 01:00:122021-10-13 16:57:07Macavity, the Mystery Cat

Search for a specific review

Author Search

Search







Generic filters




Filter by Member Types


Book Author

Download BfK Issue Bfk 272 May 2025
Skip to an Issue:

About Us

Launched in 1980, we’ve reviewed hundreds of new children’s books each year and published articles on every aspect of writing for children.

Read More

Follow Us

Latest News

The School Library Association Announces Honours Lists for 2025 Awards

July 14, 2025

Margaret McDonald and her editors Alice Swan and Ama Badu win the 2025 Branford Boase Award

July 9, 2025

‘The magic of poetry by heart’ Champions of the 2025 National Poetry Speaking Competition Announced

July 8, 2025

Contact Us

Books for Keeps,
30 Winton Avenue,
London,
N11 2AT

Telephone: 0780 789 3369

ISSN: 0143-909X (this is our International Standard Serial Number).

© Copyright 2025 - Books For Keeps | Proudly Built by Lemongrass Media - Web Design Buckinghamshire
The Weasel Puffin Unicorn Baboon Pig Lobster Race Red Shadow
Scroll to top