Early Book Review: The Cheshire Cheese Cat:

The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale is a collaboration of authors Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright with illustrator Barry Moser that is due to be published on October 1 2011. This animal tale is a historical fiction, fantasy, and chock full of literary references that will entertain readers of all ages, though it is aimed at middle school aged children. The Cheshire Cheese is a pub that has the best cheese in England, a cranky cook, several prominent Victorian era authors as regular patron, far too many mice, an a host of secrets. Skilley is an alley cat that escapes a life of dodging brooms by strolling in the front door of the Cheshire Cheese and taking on the role of mouser. However, he is hiding a secret shame. Pip is a mouse with a love of big words and a secret of his own. These two form an unlikely partnership and friendship that is the core of the book. Another unlikely friend is seeking a way to return to his original home, which brings everyone together in a grand scheme. Unfortunately, an old foe of Skilley's comes is brought into the pub as a second mouser, by a less than friendly barmaid, and complications begin to multiply. Charles Dickens is among the authors that spend time at The Cheshire Cheese, and he has problems of his own but cannot help but watch the animal activity and is sidetracked. Everyone in the pub has a secret or two; including the animal, staff and patrons.

The Cheshire Cheese Cat is wonderfully entertaining for readers of all ages, with charming illustrations. It would be great as a red aloud with someone displaying the illustrations. The story is accessible without being condescending, and frequently uses phrases or words that are quite advanced. The blend of Pip being too smart for his own good and often having to explain himself, and Skilley being a little short on intelligence that is not directly related to his personal survival gives all readers a complete understanding of complex ideas. The regular addition of literary references highly entertained this adult reader, and I think the majority of the target audience will catch on to most of the references as well. The Cheshire Cheese Cat might just spark some interest in Dickens and his contemporaries in young readers.

The Cheshire Cheese Cat blends history, mysteries, animals, and literary references together wonderfully, and I recommend this read to children of all ages, genders, and interests. It is simply a good read with a little something for everyone.