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bibliophilecats's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kiwi_fruit's review
1.0
Picking up this novel, I was expecting a lovely tale of unlikely friendship and courage, in the vein of [b:Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH|9822|Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (Rats of NIMH, #1)|Robert C. O'Brien|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1351191064s/9822.jpg|839692], after all this book has been nominated for several awards, alas it was a disappointment. My avid reader son and I set it aside just past the halfway mark. I realised that this book was written to appeal to adults rather than children (e.g. the references to Dickens and other literary figures would flow over young readers’ heads), the story is quite predictable, lacking any real thrill, the dialogues so corny.
I am surprised at the amount of high ratings this book has received, although not without its charms (I loved the illustrations), to me it’s a novel that it is trying too hard to be cute. DNF.
I am surprised at the amount of high ratings this book has received, although not without its charms (I loved the illustrations), to me it’s a novel that it is trying too hard to be cute. DNF.
shadyglade's review
5.0
What a delightfully surprising book! I didn't have any expectations going into this one, except several of my GR friends had given it high marks. It was a unique and fun story, and I loved the Dickens references too. Very highly recommended.
mctmama's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book immensely - a fantasy that interweaves real characters in a fictional tall tale. A cheese eating cat befriends a mouse at a historic English pub, where writer Charles Dickens is a frequent guest. Dickens, struggling to write his work "A Tale of Two Cities" is drawn into a mystery with the inn keeper's daughter, Nell, a missing Tower raven, an amazing mouse, Pip, and two alley cats - Skilley and Pinch. Illustrations complete the tale. Targeted for elementary school and up - would also made a good suggestion for an animal loving middle schooler! A great read to celebrate what would have been Charles Dicken's 200th birthday on February 7th!
kdekoster's review
3.0
Recap:
Skilley is a cat. Pip is a mouse. Both have a great big secret.
This is a story of secrets revealed, unlikely friendships, and some really delicious cheese - with cameos by Charles Dickens.
Review:
Look at this cover. Does that make you want to read this book? No? Me neither. I had put off reading it for weeks, until the BOB was only a few days away and I knew I just couldn't procrastinate any longer.
Well guess what... The Cheshire Cheese Cat is actually pretty darn charming!
I'm always curious about books written by two authors: Did either take responsibility for a certain character? Who came up with the title? Who first said, "Let's write a book together!"? After reading, it's clear that Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright were a well-matched team. The voice is strong and consistent throughout. This PW interview gives some insight into their teamwork.
I don't particularly like animals, so I don't particularly care for animals as the main characters in my books either, but Skilley and Pip were almost like furry people. Pip is the more quick-witted of the two, always ready with a giant vocabulary word and an eager teacher. Skilley is accustomed to the life of an alley cat, so a warm cozy home at The Cheshire Cheese seems pretty much like heaven to him - especially with all of the yummy snacks he gets from the mice each night.
Charles Dickens was a fun addition to the plot, and he was even the first to discover Skilley's secret. "Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese" was actually one of his favorite haunts in London, and I loved imagining him there in the pub, writing away with a little cheese plate at his elbow.
Cheshire Cheese is going up against Chime in the Battle of the Kids' Books tomorrow. I didn't care for Chime at all, which is why you won't find a review for it here, but I have a feeling that Briony will win out over Skilley and Pip tomorrow.
Recommendation:
The Cheshire Cheese Cat is a fun "historical fantasy" for upper elementary students and beyond. Animal lovers or fans of Charles Dickens should absolutely give this one a shot.
Quotable Quotes:
"You want the truth, Master Skilley? Then find out just what manner of cat you really are... and brazenly, unabashedly, boldly, be that cat."
Skilley is a cat. Pip is a mouse. Both have a great big secret.
This is a story of secrets revealed, unlikely friendships, and some really delicious cheese - with cameos by Charles Dickens.
Review:
Look at this cover. Does that make you want to read this book? No? Me neither. I had put off reading it for weeks, until the BOB was only a few days away and I knew I just couldn't procrastinate any longer.
Well guess what... The Cheshire Cheese Cat is actually pretty darn charming!
I'm always curious about books written by two authors: Did either take responsibility for a certain character? Who came up with the title? Who first said, "Let's write a book together!"? After reading, it's clear that Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright were a well-matched team. The voice is strong and consistent throughout. This PW interview gives some insight into their teamwork.
I don't particularly like animals, so I don't particularly care for animals as the main characters in my books either, but Skilley and Pip were almost like furry people. Pip is the more quick-witted of the two, always ready with a giant vocabulary word and an eager teacher. Skilley is accustomed to the life of an alley cat, so a warm cozy home at The Cheshire Cheese seems pretty much like heaven to him - especially with all of the yummy snacks he gets from the mice each night.
Charles Dickens was a fun addition to the plot, and he was even the first to discover Skilley's secret. "Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese" was actually one of his favorite haunts in London, and I loved imagining him there in the pub, writing away with a little cheese plate at his elbow.
Cheshire Cheese is going up against Chime in the Battle of the Kids' Books tomorrow. I didn't care for Chime at all, which is why you won't find a review for it here, but I have a feeling that Briony will win out over Skilley and Pip tomorrow.
Recommendation:
The Cheshire Cheese Cat is a fun "historical fantasy" for upper elementary students and beyond. Animal lovers or fans of Charles Dickens should absolutely give this one a shot.
Quotable Quotes:
"You want the truth, Master Skilley? Then find out just what manner of cat you really are... and brazenly, unabashedly, boldly, be that cat."
cinerdy's review
4.0
Fun, fun story about 2 cats, 10,000 mice, a raven and Charles Dickens. Great story for a 4th or 5th grader, espevially one who likes animal books.
ladyofways's review
3.0
Cute, if forgettable. Maybe a good way to introduce a young reader to Dickens, by making it a bit more fun (and adding cute animals)?