- Paperback: 224 pages
- Publisher: Kingfisher Books Ltd; New Ed edition (18 July 2005)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0753412098
- ISBN-13: 978-0753412091
- Product Dimensions: 20.2 x 15.6 x 2.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 91,737 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Why was I ever born a witch's kitten? Why - oh, why?" With his bright blue eyes and sparky magic whiskers, no one could mistake Gobbolino for a kitchen cat, but that's just what he longs to be. So, while his sister Sootica learns how to ride a broomstick and turn mice into toads, Gobbolino sets off to find a nice warm fire and a family to care for him. He has many adventures along the way and makes many friends, until he finally finds the home he dreams of. First published in 1942, Gobbolino the Witch's Cat continues to delight children - a true modern classic.
About the Author
Ursula Moray Williams (1911-) was born in Petersfield. She started writing soon after she was married and began work on Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse, perhaps her most famous work, while expecting her first child. Gobbolino the Witch's Cat followed, and the two characters were later brought together in The Further Adventures of Gobbolino and the Little Wooden Horse. Ursula Moray Williams lives in Gloucestershire. Paul Howard studied at Leicester Polytechnic where he gained a first-class Honours Degree in Graphics. He has illustrated many successful children's titles, including Walker's Classic Poetry collection, and A Year in the City, winner of the Primary English Book Award. His recent picture book interpretation of The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark (Egmont), has been highly acclaimed. Paul Howard lives in Belfast.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
ONE FINE MOONLIGHT NIGHT little Gobbolino, the witch's kitten, and his sister Sootica tumbled out of the cavern where they had been born, to play at catch-a-mouse among the creeping shadows. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
ONE FINE MOONLIGHT NIGHT little Gobbolino, the witch's kitten, and his sister Sootica tumbled out of the cavern where they had been born, to play at catch-a-mouse among the creeping shadows. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
43 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I first read this book at about age eight and it has stayed with me ever since.
The story is of a witch's cat who desperately wants to be a kitchen cat, in spite of the blue sparks that sometimes fly from his ears! Gobbolino's adventures are full of magic, fun and that tiny chunk of unfairness put to rights that children love.
This is a lovely book for reading aloud to young children, or for slightly older children to read themselves. The chapters, which are short enough for a child to read in about 15 minutes, are all self-contained and can be read out of context or in order.
The themes of rejection and discrimination are modern enough, and the stories are charming and often include a bit of a twist - an orphanage where gruel is turned into sugar-plumbs, a cat (albeit a witch's cat) playing dog Toby in a Punch and Judy show and a maiden in a tower who wants neither of her two knightly suitors are just a few.
My only complaint is that the pictures are of poor quality (black and white drawings) and are few and far between.
All in all a charming tale which gets to the point very early on in the story (important for young readers).
Strongly recommended
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I rememeber having this read to me as a child in infant school and I still remember being mesmerised even 20 years down the line. As a result I look forward to reading it to my god children when they are 5-6. It is in essence a tale of Gobbolino fighting against prejudice and seeking the love and acceptance amonst his peers, with plenty of adventures along the way .This, as with the rest of U M Williams books, is achieved without being overly patronising or sacherine in its tone. It is worth also reading Adventures of the Wooden Horse as very much in the same genre. A book that suits independent reading from the about the age of 6 or as a storytime book for 4-5 onwards. If I remember correctly theres even a song to accompany the book and luckily for you I cant abuse your ears by singing it!
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I love this tale of cute little Gobbolino. It is a simple tale, yet also very charming. I loved it when I was a kid, and I still enjoy it now, and I'm approaching 30!
Little Gobbolino only wants to be a kitchen cat. But his Mother is the witch Graymalkin, and so Gobbolino has inherited witchy powers that most ordinary folk are highly suspicious of. It does end happily though, and it is a lovely little tale. Children (and adults) will love this!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Used book
I bought this on behalf of my niece for her to give as a birthday present. The item was described as being used but to be honest you couldn't really tell. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Val
Not recommended for younger children
I tried reading this book to my 6 year old daughter, 2-3 chapters each evening. The book is quite nicely written, in an old-fashioned style, but the cat in the story suffers an... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Aidan
Gobbolino the Witches Cat
I read this story as a series when it was published in the magazine/tape series called Storyteller in the eighties. I recall waiting eagerly for the next instalment. Read more
Published 6 months ago by lelykenny
Still my favourite book!
My mother bought me this book when I was about 6 years old and it has remained my favourite book! I'm now 30 and have read it again! Read more
Published 6 months ago by D. Tomkin
A beloved classic
I loved the stories of Gobbolino when I was a child and was delighted to find them again for me share with my daughter. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Tigerlily
Too sad for little children
Bought the book due to the many good reviews it got. My daughter started crying after about ten pages. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Katrin
Just as good as it was thirty-odd years ago
I have just finished reading this to my seven year old son, having loved it as a child myself. He was totally captivated by it, complete with gasps of 'Oh no! Read more
Published 15 months ago by Eleanor Roosevelt
EXCELLENT, ENCHANTING & BEAUTIFULLY TOLD!
Charming and delightful story of a little blue-eyed cat's adventures as he attempts to find an ordinary loving home instead of serving his entire life as a 'Witch's Cat'. Read more
Published 17 months ago by FAMOUS NAME
EXCELLENT, ENCHANTING & BEAUTIFULLY TOLD!
Charming and delightful story of a little blue-eyed cat's adventures as he attempts to find an ordinary loving home instead of serving his entire life as a 'Witch's Cat'. Read more
Published 17 months ago by FAMOUS NAME
EXCELLENT, ENCHANTING & BEAUTIFULLY TOLD!
Charming and delightful story of a little blue-eyed cat's adventures as he attempts to find an ordinary loving home instead of serving his entire life as a 'Witch's Cat'. Read more
Published 17 months ago by FAMOUS NAME
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