The White Cat (Paperback)

by Robert San Souci (Author), Gennady Spirin (Illustrator) "ONCE, not so very long ago, a king called his three sons together and said, "I wish to turn over my crown to one of..." (more)
Key Phrases: white cat

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
With this collaboration, San Souci and Spirin prove that gifted and loving hands can make old tales gloriously new again. Credited to Madame d'Aulnoy and first published in 1698, The White Cat contains many familiar (and well-loved) fairy-tale elements. Three brothers set out on separate quests, each hoping to please his royal father best and so win the kingdom. The youngest son is kind to a cat who turns out to have been a bewitched queen. She helps her beloved win the contest, the spell is broken and the two live happily ever after. San Souci's retelling is suitably magical and mysterious, and his words flow like music. Spirin's sumptuous paintings, each abounding with meticulous detail from foreground to furthest distance, glow with light and expression. Surely Madame d'Aulnoy would be pleased. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal
A king's youngest son, sent on a quest by his father, stumbles on a mysterious castle, where he is welcomed by the White Cat. The prince is quite taken with the charming and elegant cat whose generosity and unique powers help him fulfill not one request of his father's, but two. When the prince learns that the White Cat's happiness is threatened by impending marriage to a wicked wizard, he valiantly defends her, thereby winning her hand. She is, of course, a lovely enchanted princess. San Souci has done an excellent job of retelling Madame d'Aulnoy's long, ornate tale. While many elements of the older story have been left out, the romance remains and the mystery is heightened, making a tighter, more direct story that will appeal to young readers. The formal tone of the story is carried out in Spirin's elaborate, detailed illustrations. Their soft, golden glow evokes an appropriate sense of the past, as if the scenes were being viewed across the ages. A ferocious sea battle and a dramatic confrontation between the wizard, disguised as a dragon, and the prince are depicted in two marvelous double-spreads that afford special pleasure for the eye and imagination. The only jarring note is the face of the White Cat, which often looks cruel rather than lovely. Still, this is a fine addition to folk and fairy-tale collections that will serve as an accessible introduction to this relatively unknown story. --Linda Boyles, Alachua County Lib . District, Gainesville, FL
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531071707
• ISBN-13: 978-0531071700
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,145,155 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story,beautifully illustrated, December 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The White Cat: An Old French Fairy Tale (Library Binding)

The young prince must search for what his father requests. He immediately finds a magical castle instead, and by trusting the White Cat he finds all he needs. In between there are some great adventures, fanciful and courageous. My daughter enjoys this book and we've read it many times.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite all-time children's books, October 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The White Cat: An Old French Fairy Tale (Library Binding)

The illustrations in this beautiful book are worth getting it for alone. But when you add to this an exciting and interesting story - one that I never tire of reading and my children never tire of hearing - this book is an all-around winner. I highly recommend this book as a mother and a teacher.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Childhood Memories, September 30, 2005

By	M. Rainsbarger "Ranchlamb" (Califrona) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My parents bought me this book when I was about 9 years old at a book fair at school. They even got it signed by the Author. 13 years later, I am now 22 and still love this story.
The Story of the White Cat comes to life as you read it. The artwork is drawn in such fine details that when I go to sleep at night I can still remember all that happens in my dreams. The White Cat her self is filled with magic and mystery that it makes one want to know more about her. If you enjoy reading about enchanted castles and Wise Cats in fantasy then this book is for you.