Titanicat

July 1, 2008
Gr 1-4-Jim Mulholland is a young man ready to see the world as a cabin boy on the "Titanic". He comes from a family with maritime roots; he understands the traditions of life on the sea, as well as its superstitions. When he is charged with taking care of the ship cat while the vessel runs through its trials and prepares for its maiden voyage, Jim takes his job seriously. And when the cat gives birth to four kittens, he becomes extra vigilant. He cannot believe how lucky he is to be working on such a beautiful new ship. But while the "Titanic" is docked at Southampton, Jim spots the cat removing her kittens one by one. Concerned that she has forgotten one, he takes it to her and consequently misses the sailing. His duffle bag, his dreamsgone. Six days later, he learns just how lucky he is. An author's note details how Crisp researched this true story about a ship cat and the boy she saved. Papp's fresh-faced Jim and winsome kittens provide a sense of optimism as they await the great adventure that will never be. The picture-book format works well for this brief episode in the disaster. Reluctant readers will be able to read this amazing tale on their own, while listeners with a taste for longer read-alouds will enjoy hearing it."Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2008
In the late 1990s, a story came out aboutan Irishman who had crewed on the Titanic during its trial runs. Assigned to take care of the ships cat, the superstitious fellowdisembarked before the fatal crossing, when the cat left, carrying her kittens. Crisp takes this vignette and turns it into the story of cabin boy Jim Mulholand, a cheerfullad, pleased and proud to be working aboard the Titanic.He cares for the ships cat, 401 (named for the ships number) and her multicolored kittens, savingthe black onewhen it almost falls overboard. Hes heard that cats bring luck to a voyage, so when 401disembarks with her kittens, hes startled. Then he notices she hasnt taken the black one, and Jim feels bound to bring it to her, thoughthe ship sails without himfortunately.The crisp narrative is juxtaposed with lush, painterly artwork that fills the oversize pages. Papp plays with light andperspective and sometimes adds a photorealistic touch to the pictures. An authors note tells readers about the storys origins and lists sources.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2008
Facts from various Titanic memoirs are woven into this story of young Jim from Belfast. As cabin boy, he is responsible for the ship's cat and her kittens, whose defection from the Titanic leads to his own--and thus saves his life. Detailed soft-edged paintings of Jim, the ship, and the felines are beguiling (though a few pictures are stiff).

(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)