Whittington by Alan Armstrong
As I read this Newberry Honor book during the summer, I kept thinking it would make a great read aloud for a family as there is so much to discuss: relationships, history, science, economics, authority and submission, fantasy and reality. Three stories are woven together in this well written tale: the life of Whittington, the scruffy tom cat who wants to be part of the barn community, the 14th century legend of Dick Whittington and his cat told from a cat’s point of view, and the story of Ben, the orphan boy, and how he overcomes his reading obstacle. If you liked Charlotte’s Web, you’ll love this book. Talking animals aren’t my favorite (except in Narnia), but this book hooked me. I’d be interested to know what you think.
