Books For Keeps
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Articles
  • Past Issues
  • Latest Issue
  • Authors and Artists
  • Latest News
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
September 1, 2010/in Fiction 8-10 Junior/Middle /by Angie Hill
BfK Rating:
BfK 184 September 2010
Reviewer: Anne Faundez
ISBN: 978-1408308950
Price: £9.99
Publisher: Dispatch same day for order received before 12 noonGuaranteed packagingNo quibbles returns
Genre: Fiction
Age Range: 8-10 Junior/Middle
Length: 176pp
Buy the Book

Ship's Cat Doris

Author: Jane Simmons

The author, best-known for her picture books and luminous illustrations about river creatures Daisy the duck and Ebb and Flow, shows herself to be equally at ease with words and small black-and-white drawings in this story about growing up.

New owners take the little kitten away from a horrible family and from the warmth of Mummy Cat. They call him Doris and introduce him to a completely new life on board a dilapidated old fishing boat awaiting repair. He joins the other pets on board – the two dogs John and Madge, one a gentle giant, the other peevish and yappy, and Freda, a chicken with a huge personality. Intimidated, Doris struggles to find acceptance among them, only gradually finding his place. But when he takes to exploring the boatyard, he discovers new terrors in the shape of shipyard bullies Jasper the cat and the Queen’s pet dog. Their behaviour has a lasting impact on him and does much to affect life on board ship.

The story describes Doris’ experiences as he grows from kitten to tomcat. He and the other animals speak like humans but their behaviour, acutely observed, is realistic and true to their nature. Though there’s some sadness in the story as he faces ordeals, forges friendships and finds his place in the world, this is, above all, a charming, at times humorous, read.

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 Hill2010-09-01 00:00:592022-03-02 15:08:27Ship’s Cat Doris

Search for a specific review

Author Search

Search







Generic filters




Filter by Member Types


Book Author

BfK 254 May 2022 Download BfK Issue BfK 254 May 2022
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

Diverse, accessible, essential: shortlist announced for the CLiPPA 2022

May 4, 2022

The 2022 Little Rebels Award Shortlist

May 3, 2022

Longlist for 2022 Information Book Award Announced

April 29, 2022

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 2022 - Books For Keeps | Proudly Built by Lemongrass Media - Web Design Buckinghamshire
My Name is Mina The Children of the Lost
Scroll to top