Identify 1980s beautifully illustrated children's book called Great Cat
September 10, 2015 11:00 AM Subscribe
When I worked in the public library in 1983, there was an illustrated book in the children's section which I remember being titled Great Cat, which I would like to find again. I'm assuming it's out of print because I can't find anything on Amazon that looks like it. Vague memories inside.
I remember the book being relatively new, and I didn't remember it from my own childhood, so I would imagine that the publication date would be sometime in the early 80s or late 70s. It was an illustrated children's book, and I remember it being wider than it was tall. I remember the illustrations as being dreamy colorful watercolor or oil painting in style. The story had to do with some children who lived in a place (maybe a beach?) and they encountered this giant cat and interacted with it in some way. I remember the cat as being white and fluffy and about the size of a pony. I don't remember if the cat was magical or just a normal cat that happened to be large. I think the title was Great Cat but I may be strongly misremembering it. It was a really beautiful book and if possible I would like to read it again or at least look at some of the illustrations from it.
I remember the book being relatively new, and I didn't remember it from my own childhood, so I would imagine that the publication date would be sometime in the early 80s or late 70s. It was an illustrated children's book, and I remember it being wider than it was tall. I remember the illustrations as being dreamy colorful watercolor or oil painting in style. The story had to do with some children who lived in a place (maybe a beach?) and they encountered this giant cat and interacted with it in some way. I remember the cat as being white and fluffy and about the size of a pony. I don't remember if the cat was magical or just a normal cat that happened to be large. I think the title was Great Cat but I may be strongly misremembering it. It was a really beautiful book and if possible I would like to read it again or at least look at some of the illustrations from it.
Best answer: Is it this Great Cat?
posted by WesterbergHigh at 11:33 AM on September 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by WesterbergHigh at 11:33 AM on September 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks, both of you. The title is Great Cat by David McPhail and here is the description: Because of her size, Great Cat, the biggest cat that ever lived, causes the neighbors to fear for their children's safety. Therefore, Great Cat and Toby move to an island where they rescue a sinking boatload of children.
I was right about the title, the washy watercolor painting, the whiteness and fluffiness of the cat, and the seaside location!
posted by matildaben at 12:23 PM on September 10, 2015
I was right about the title, the washy watercolor painting, the whiteness and fluffiness of the cat, and the seaside location!
posted by matildaben at 12:23 PM on September 10, 2015
Best answer: I checked Open Library and they actually had the scanned ebook! If you're able to sign up (you may need a library card), you can read the entire book. I clipped 2 pages for you if you can't read it.
posted by Circumstands at 2:57 PM on September 10, 2015
posted by Circumstands at 2:57 PM on September 10, 2015
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posted by dances_with_sneetches at 11:18 AM on September 10, 2015 [1 favorite]