Princess Penelope and the Runaway Kitten

Sparkly adornment to books is usually an instant turn off for me so, much as I like Alison Murray’s work, I came to her latest offering feeling less than enthusiastic. However, there is a real purpose to glittery pink embellishment in this one; indeed one could say that the whole story revolves around it or rather, it – in the form of knitting wool  – revolves around pretty much everything in the story.

Ignored by her otherwise engaged parents, Princess Penelope diverts her attention to the mischievious kitten that has knotted himself to a ball of pink wool. Said kitten then dashes off with Penelope and Doggy in hot pursuit. His tortuous twists and turns through the palace rooms and out into the extensive grounds and gardens entangle all and sundry. The butler is left standing on one leg, tray aloft, the staircase strewn with threads, a soldier tied to a pillar, saucepans strung up on their rack in the kitchen and much more besides.

Observant young audiences will notice that several other animals join in the chase, a chase that is given added impetus by the telling being in rhyme.

Charming though the illustrations are in their retro-style, pastel coloured and patterned way, I feel it is largely little girls who will enjoy joining Penelope in her pursuit of the wayward kitten.