Carbonel: The King of Cats [Hardcover]

Barbara Sleigh (Author), V.H. Drummond (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Back in print in the U.S. for the first time in over 30 years.

Rosemary's plan to clean houses during her summer break and surprise her mother with the money hits a snag when an old lady at the market talks her into buying a second-rate broom and a cat she can't even afford to keep. But appearances can be deceiving. Some old ladies are witches, some brooms can fly, and some ordinary-looking cats are Princes of the Royal Blood. Rosemary's cat ("You may call me Carbonel. That is my name.") soon enlists her help in an adventure to free him from a hideous spell and return him to his rightful throne. But along the way Rosemary and her friend John must do some clever sleuthing, work a little magic of their own, and—not least— put up with the demands of a very haughty cat.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A delightful fantasy of real literary merit. When Rosemary acquired a black cat and an old broom, she thought she had a pet and a means of earning money for widowed mother. But Carbonel was magic, and at his behest she set out to acquire a witch’s hat, pot and spell to disenchant him. How she does this will enthrall children. A must for all libraries.” –Library Journal

“The children are lively, the grown-ups (including the witch) colorful and the mingling of magic and reality is most effective. –New York Times

“A delightfully amusing story.” –Parents Magazine

“It’s a highly diverting fantasy, told exactly as though it all could happen.” –Chicago Tribune

“We do like good fantasy, and it is hard to find. Here is some magic sturdily rooted in everyday happenings with both the real children and their enchanted acquaintances well characterized and sharing in some very convincing experiences.” –New York Herald Tribune

“A truly bewitching story reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland.” –New York Journal American

“A highly entertaining fantasy.” –San Francisco Chronicle

“Magic and everyday life blend smoothly in this highly enjoyable fantasy, perfect for reading aloud.” –Terri Schmitz, Horn Book

About the Author

Barbara Sleigh (1906-1982) worked for the BBC Children's Hour and was the author of two sequels to Carbonel: The Kingdom of Carbonel and Carbonel and Calidor.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: NYR Children's Collection; 1ST edition (October 31, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590171268
• ISBN-13: 978-1590171264
• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 0.6 x 8.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #72,144 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favourite book as a child!, February 7, 2005

By 

Book Reader "Lei" (NZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Carbonel: The King of Cats (Hardcover)

My dad, a teacher at a local polytech, would often bring home castoffs from the school's library in case I found something in them I'd enjoy. Amongst my pile of discovered treasures were illustrated paperbacks of The Wizard of Oz series, an SE Hinton that I found fascinating because it was so 'grown up' for me, and a water-damaged hardcover copy of Carbonel: The King of Cats (which had one page in it bound upside-down).

Because of all the travelling our family did, I've long since lost my childhood collection of books, but I will never forget the Summer evenings I spent imagining myself in the the far away land of Tottenham Grove - arguing with conceited black cats, eating cucumber sandwhiches for lunch, and muttering short but eloquent spells to asuage the bruised ego of a flying broom.

I admired Rosemary's take-charge, independent spirit, blushed at the hint of possible romance between her and John, and for a while, I checked every black cat I encountered for evidence of royalty.

After all these years, I'm excited to know that Carbonel is still in print because I can't wait to introduce this King of Cats to my own children. Very much a predecessor to Harry Potter, I know this story has enough thrills, suspense, fun and, yes, magic to keep even the most sophisticated young readers thoroughly entertained.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting, November 29, 2004

By 

Birdy (San Diego, California USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Carbonel: The King of Cats (Hardcover)

My 4th grade teacher read this to us. She made us put our heads on our desk while she read to us, we all felt we were much too old for this book but were instantly drawn in and couldn't wait till she got to the end. I loved this book as a child, and as a parent, and now a grandparent. If your younger child loves Harry Potter, this is a great book, especially for a girl. It has a strong female protagonist and just enough humor, as well as mystery and magic, to keep everyone interested.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars still excellent 40 years later, January 3, 2007

By 

Miss Ivonne (Louisville, KY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Carbonel: The King of Cats (Hardcover)

This was a favorite book from my childhood. I just ordered it for my own daughter, who just loves cats. (We have three.) Even though she's 15, she still loved reading "Carbonel: The King of Cats." I'm so pleased that it's back in print! Some children's books are so good that you don't have to be young to enjoy them. This is one.