Allen & Unwin ISBN9781911631392 £10.99
This is a delightful picture book that combines the story of an intrepid cat with the true life story of the explorer Matthew Flinders; who was the second circumnavigator of what was to become Australia and wrote the work “Australia or Terra Australis”. Flinders wrote about his cat whilst being held by the French and this led to Trim becoming part of the legend. This was a cat that appeared to love life on the ocean waves and stayed with his master for many years, only to suddenly disappear whilst Flinders was imprisoned; however the reason is left to our imagination. The author has blended historical fact with an adventure story that will have children enthralled and laughing at the antics of Trim. The illustrator has provided a very funny juxtaposition of pictures with the text; so that we appreciate that what we are being told might be at slight variance with the reality. The illustrations are beautifully drawn and full of historical accuracy; stylistically they remind me of pictures by Victor Ambrus, whose work I admire greatly. This makes for a great story to use when studying topics such as Australia and exploration, but it also works as a good adventure story to read to young children aged 5-8 which teaches them about how animals and humans work together.
Margaret Pemberton