Thousands and thousands of Cats (Present Version) (Image Puffin Books)

Classic
I remember these illustrations from when I was a kid. Such a weird but appealing story…

I just love this story!
I am 76, and this was one of the few books that I had when I was a child. I just loved the story and the charming woodcuts that illustrate it. I see that there is a new re-writing, but I would certainly skip that one and stick to the original. When I give this book as a gift, I always write in the back: “Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” This verse fits so well with the story of a little kitten who didn’t boast about how pretty he was, and ended up being a very loved and beautiful cat. I love happy endings.

whole bunch of cats
Lots of cats, as advertised. 10/10.Beautiful illustrations and a very sweet story as well. I’ll be happy to read this one over and over again.

Exceptional.
This book is not for all people, as noted by some reviews. In this case, since it is a children’s book, it is all a gamble. For some children, they will look upon it either fondly, horrified or simply confused. It is later will their views either change or stay the same.My personal experience was fondness. Looking back on it now, I am still fond of it. Some children will simply find it interesting. I was one of those. I liked cats and I loved the little cat at the end. As an adult, I see its morals quite clearly. I also am fine with it. It all depends on a person’s response to morbidity. If one comes to like things like Edward Gorey, Roman Dirge or Tim Burton… The bat of an eye seems less plausible. This book is as safe as the original takes on fairy tales – you know, before Disney.Anyway, for parents who are leery, there is a lesson to learn in this story.Moral: Vanity can lead to one’s downfall. Be humble and practical and good things (hopefully) will come in reward.As noted, there were some issues with how things were done. The following will have spoilers.Vanity is displayed through most of the book. It led to the downfall of both the old man and the millions of billions of cats. The old man mainly cared for a good looking cat. One always looked better than the other to him. He needed to keep what the true goal was in mind. He should have only looked for what cat could serve the purpose he and his wife were looking for. In the end, he took all and in turn took on a task beyond his control.The cats were more or less fine until near the end. The wife, upon seeing the many cats, reminds the old man of the true purpose of his quest. They thus can only keep one. In turn, all the cats that were wrong for the couple in the beginning brought upon their own downfall for being too proud. They only cared for their own gain in the matter. They were superficial and in the end none were left to gain the “prize”.The moral shines through in the end though when the couple does find the right cat for them.Perhaps one will find that too psychological for a child to grasp, but as noted, for a child to understand… well, you either have to go into great explanation or hope your child applies the same understanding of most original fairy tales to this book – they simply find it amusing and don’t ask questions.If they do, just give them the story at its value.”If I am pretty, will I be eaten up?”No. The kitten in the end ended up being very pretty and he was never eaten up. What it is saying is, if you are beautiful on the outside, be beautiful on the inside as well. The cat in the end displayed that.”What if I say I am the prettiest to someone?”That would be rude. It can hurt feelings. Like in the book, the little kitten did not say a word. It thought it was no better than anyone. The other cats became angry with each other because none of them wanted to feel less important than another, when in truth they were all equal.”Why did they eat each other?”They let their hatred eat at themselves and in turn destroyed each other through that. (It is pretty difficult to go into metaphors of greed and vanity consuming a person being displayed in blatant eating an opponent physically.)The list can go on.There is also another faint moral. Treat others kindly and good things can happen for you and that person. The kitten was small, scrawny and unloved. The old man likely never would have given it a second thought, as the cat believed. With it being the only one left and after they witnessed the terribleness of the physically beautiful cats, they decided to take care of it. By being given kindness and love, the kitten grew to be a fine cat and both it and the couple were happy. Again, vanity plays in. Look beyond the book cover, and all.Therefore, this story could be pretty much ANYTHING to a child. In the end, you must be the judge.

Very excited to share these with my niece and nephew! Thank you.

Recomendo entrega no prazo e bem alinhada.

Beautiful illustrationsHeartwarming storyRead it for free on my Kindle unlimited account but will order a print book as wellThanks, Katha