Randall Wright

“He was the best of toms. He was the worst of toms.” So begins this “Dickens of a Tale” that not only draws inspiration from Charles Dickens’ works, but also features him as a character in the book. The main storyline, however, revolves around Skilley, the cheese loving, street-smart cat who weasels his way into the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese inn, and Pip, one among the thousands of mice who already live there. Pip is an unusually talented mouse, and Skilley’s secret desire for cheese makes him no ordinary cat. After a mutually beneficial alliance is arranged, Skilley and Pip become friends and all goes well until the appearance of Pinch, a malicious alley cat eager to turn the inn’s mice into cat food. Throw in a mysterious presence in the attic, Mr. Dickens’ notes, and a bold plan to save the British Empire. Add Barry Moser’s incredibly expressive illustrations and the literary allusions to Charles Dickens’ works, most of which will go right over the heads of young readers who probably haven’t read any Dickens yet. No matter, The Cheshire Cheese Cat serves up a fun introduction. This is a great read with a lot of heart and an impressive vocabulary to boot (accompanied by a glossary). Highly recommended for everyone!… (meer)

Skilley is a bright cat but not an ambitious one. Hoping for a life of ease at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn, his plans are thwarted when a clever little mouse discovers two secrets about Skilley. Can a mouse and a cat work together for the good of them both? Maybe, but then something happens that neither had foreseen: a new arrival at the inn. Katherine Kellgren's delightful performance in narrating this audio book just adds to its pleasure. A great book for the younger set, but adults will enjoy it, too.… (meer)