| Aristotle
by Dick King-Smith Dick King-Smith has written countless books about animals for children; the most well-known probably being The Sheep-Pig, made universally famous since its release as the entertaining family film, Babe in 1995. Aristotle is the story of a little kitten who did not know that cats had nine lives. His mother decided to let him go to his new home totally unaware of this important fact. Her decision was based on the realisation that he was much bolder than his brothers and sisters and had such an adventurous nature that she knew he would use them all at once. When he goes to live with Bella Donna, his nine lives expire one by one at an alarming rate. Falling out of trees, down chimneys and getting trapped under milk-jugs are just some of his exploits. Escaping from Gripper the dog and avoiding being run over by a lorry simultaneously, leaves Aristotle with his ninth and final life. Is it just a coincidence that he has survived several narrow squeaks and lives to old age or might it have something to do with the fact that Bella Donna is not just an ordinary cat-owner? Aristotle is a perfect book for beginner readers. Packed with loads of adventure and accompanied by delightful illustrations by Bob Graham, it will undoubtedly be a firm favourite among children from ages six or seven upwards. Current
Children's Book of the Month |