Whittington, a cat tail ...

Just finished "Whittington," by Alan Armstrong, S.D. Schindler (illustrator), 2005 Newbery Honor book. It is a powerful and tender story-within-a-story. Whittington, a stray who wanders into Bernie's farmyard, exchanges room and board for his fierce rat-chasing abilities. In exchange for the friendship of his new companions, he tells his family history (a spirited retelling of folktale "Dick Whittington and His Cat"). Bernie's grandchildren, Ben and his little sister, are members of the farmyard family. Ben struggles with reading. As we learn of Dick Whittington's struggles, we also journey with Ben as he conquers reading and (cat) Whittington as he finally finds a home. This book reminds me of Dick King-Smith with it's gentle, forthright approach and happy resolution. What a treat!