Gobbolino The Witch's Cat

By Ursula Moray Williams
Illustrated by Catherine Rayner
Published by Macmillan's Children's Books
Ages 5 and upwards

This classic children's novel is a colourful, adventurous tale of an extraordinary cat who just wants an ordinary life. 

It's so enjoyable and easy to read and the writing is expressive and humourous, especially for younger readers:

"When Gobbolino saw the unpleasant grey mixture that the cook was stirring in the cauldron he felt sorry for the orphans, and when her back was turned he put a spell into the gruel that filled it full of sugar-plums." 

Each chapter sees Gobbolino in a new home or adventure in his quest not be seen as a 'witch's cat' anymore. Each episode is summarised by a new name given to Gobbolino: 'the mouser/the royal cat/the performing cat', but what he wants more than anything is to be a 'kitchen cat' - which proves difficult when witch's cats have such bad reputations. (I find this story still relevant now, 75 years after writing, as kittens are still overlooked due to their appearance or from superstition.) 

My favourite Gobbolino moments are his tricks in the orphanage and when he makes a sick princess better in a royal nursery. But he provides cat companionship wherever he goes - which is relatable for any animal lover of any age. 

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