Tallulah the Theatre Cat
About:
Tallulah the Theatre Cat
By Jennifer Brown
"Every cat must follow her bliss"
Bolstered by her belief in this tenet and ferried by her indomitable spirit, Tallulah the small grey and white cat tries to find a niche in the tiny theatre in the village of Victoria-by-the-Sea, Prince Edward Island. Every intriguing facet of the small theatre offers promise, only to prove problematic, or even dangerous, to Tallulah herself or the smooth running of the popular venue. As inviting as the freshly planed curls of wood backstage might be, the danger backstage is obvious...and who could blame a cat for lapping up cream albeit in the concession shop... You get the picture! (I won't cite more examples as her thorough exploration of all things theatre is a delightful "tour" integral to the story.) Suffice it to say there are several ways to tell a cat to scat, all of which Tallulah hears! Finally, her resolve and optimism wavering, Tallulah seeks refuge in a trunk full of hats. As so often happens in life, her absence impacts the whole village and she emerges from her haven appreciated, triumphant and resplendent in a wondrous hat. Her new-found place in the little theatre affirms her belief in following one's heart.
This little character assures her spot in readers' hearts and I think it is entirely apt that Tallulah has been chosen for the L. M. Montgomery Award for Children's Literature for 2013. The writing is descriptive and ear-pleasing, the illustrations emphatic and exuberant, the setting the P.E.I. seaside, and the main character an enthusiastic grey cat with a flare for drama. (L.M. Montgomery was partial to grey cats, a supporter of drama, a promoter of seaside P.E.I and was famous for her spirited characters. Perhaps not as well known was her ability with needlework and her "eye" for colour, a delightful aspect of Tallulah.) I highly recommend this little book as a quality gift or keepsake from Prince Edward Island.
Acorn Press 2013 ISBN: 9781894838986
Mrs. Button's Bookshelf:
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A Note From Mrs. Buttons...
Over the years I have immensely enjoyed many wonderful stories with children at my work and at home. I am pleased to have the opportunity to share here some of the favorites from my bookshelf. Most of my reading/gift recommendations will be for books still readily available; from time to time, however, I will highlight a "backyard treasure" - a book that should be snapped up should you have the great good luck to see it in a yard sale!
I, by the way, concur with C. S. Lewis and George MacDonald that a "good children's book" is one that can be enjoyed at age three or fifty-three.
