Jamil's Clever Cat: A Bengali Folk Tale (Paperback)

~ Fiona French (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Based on a Bengali folktale, this book tells the story of Jamil, a weaver who daydreams of marrying a princess. When he confesses his dream to his cat Sardul, the animal resolves to make his master's wish come true and tricks the royal family into thinking Jamil is the richest man in the world.

About the Author

Fiona French studied Art Education at Croydon College of Art and went on to work as Bridget Riley's assistant. In 1986 she won the Kate Greenaway Medal for Snow White in New York. In 1992 her first book for Frances Lincoln, Anancy and Mr Dry-Bone was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal and chosen as a Children's Book of the Year. Pepi and the Secret Names (written by Jill Paton Walsh), was one of Child Education's Best Story Books of 1994 and shortlisted for the 1995 Children's Book Award. She is renowned for her distinctively sharp and colourful illustrations. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Childrens Books (June 1, 2000)
• ISBN-10: 0711213453
• ISBN-13: 978-0711213456
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,157,862 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoy the play of mesmerizing colours!, December 21, 2001

By	"ajina" (Surrey, British Columbia Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jamil's Clever Cat: A Folk Tale from Bengal (Hardcover)

A beautifully illustrated book with mesmerizing colours: an abundance of deep indigo, jungle greens, various shades of burnt orange, and of course the requisite fuschia. I very much enjoyed the play of colours in this book. With the cut paper collages and paintings, the fabrics flow eith textures, layers and decorous patterns.

The story focuses on Sardul, a clever cat who schemes to have his master Jamil marry a princess. Reminiscent of Puss in Boots, when Jamil sighs and wishes he could marry the princess in the palace, Sardul responds "Give me the best waistcoat and the most beautiful sari we have made, Master, and I will make your dream come true."

My four year old delighted in reading the book. I gave her some cut fabric and she pretended dressing up in a sari. I highly recommend this marvelously illustrated book.

History buffs shaould also note that Jamil's Clever Cat is shrewdly retold from "The Folk Tales of Bengal" originally published by the Rev. Lal Behari Day of Hooghly College,Bengal, in 1883.

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoy the play of mesmerizing colours!, December 17, 2001

By	"ajina" (Surrey, British Columbia Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jamil's Clever Cat (Hardcover)

A beautifully illustrated book with mesmerizing colours: an abundance of deep indigo, jungle greens, various shades of burnt orange, and of course the requisite fuschia. I very much enjoyed the play of colours in this book. With the cut paper collages and paintings, the fabrics flow with textures, layers and decorous patterns.

The story focuses on Sardul, a clever cat who schemes to have his master Jamil marry a princess. Reminiscent of Puss in Boots, when Jamil sighs and wishes he could marry the princess in the palace, Sardul responds "Give me the best waistcoat and the most beautiful sari we have made, Master, and I will make your dream come true."

History buffs should also note that Jamil's Clever Cat is shrewdly retold from "The Folk Tales of Bengal" originally published by the Rev. Lal Behari Day of Hooghly College, Bengal, in 1883.