The White Cat: An Old French Fairy Tale

This story is an old friend. Better for older children (8-12). The tale of friendship, heroism, chivalry, and most important, patience with a King who has doubts about retiring. Perfect match between narrator and illustrator -- five stars!

This book could not be more beautifully illustrated. Spirin's art has a wispy, dreamlike delicacy combined with beautifully rendered detail. It looks truly magical. One two-page spread depicts a battle royal between armored cats and an armada of rats sailing in ostrich-egg shells -- it's almost too beautiful and fantastic to take in. The story itself is a lesser-known fairy tale, filled with heroism, romance, virtue, and wicked villains. My four-year-old fell in love with it immediately, and we have played many games of "white cat" in the last few weeks. The cat queen is lovely, brave, wise, strong -- and exquisitely dressed! What little girl wouldn't be enchanted? Boys will love the high adventure and excitement of the story, complete with wicked dwarfs and fire-breathing salamanders. In every respect, one of the finest fairy-tale picturebooks I've ever seen.

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.

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.

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.