When Tom met Tallulah

Tallulah’s understanding of new cat Tom’s needs enables him to settle almost immediately in his new home. She shows him how to use the cat flap and even draws him a plan indicating the best places for cat napping. So impressed is Tom that he decides he should try to learn human and so studies Tallulah’s every move. Things take an unpleasant turn though when Tom starts emulating human behaviour, dressing up in Tallulah’s clothes and sleeping in her bed. Tallulah’s playing at being a cat sees Tom popping her in a cardboard box and trading her in at the pet shop.

A touch surreal and seemingly sinister, this story is reassuringly defused for young audiences through the gently humorous illustrations depicting Tom as a cute cuddly, playful kitten and Tallulah a willing participant in feline frolics. The open-ended finale leaves readers pondering and this particular reader less than satisfied.