From School Library Journal K-Gr 2-Gracie, a cat whose home is in a lighthouse, relaxes alongside her little kitten while in the background Grace, the lighthouse keeper's daughter, spots a ship in trouble on the rocks. The two stories about bravery during a raging storm in 1838 unfold simultaneously. Gracie's story is described in the text, while the human drama is portrayed primarily in the artwork. Attractive, painterly renditions of the treacherous sea as well as the emotional features on the faces of the animals will draw children into the suspenseful tale. Sentences are short and function ostensibly to move the action along. It is the artwork that adds additional meaning to the event. Endpapers introduce the historical setting and conclude with an afterword. Cat lovers will remember this event after the first reading and will be able to retell the story just by following the pictures.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Read more From Booklist The 1838 real-life rescue of shipwrecked passengers by a lighthouse keeper and his daughter is the backdrop for Brown�s story of a mother cat�s courageous rescue of her kitten. Though storming outside, Gracie and her kitten are snug in their lighthouse home. But hearing noises, the curious kitten goes to investigate and is inadvertently swept outdoors. Distraught Gracie is determined to find him, searching everywhere, even braving the elements; and just when things seem hopeless comes happy discovery and reunion. The descriptive narrative incorporates dramatic and suspenseful elements. Meanwhile, realistic illustrations, with some abstract touches, depict the turbulent seascapes and the warm, detailed lighthouse interior. The cats are always the focus, while the human rescue is conveyed in visuals only�the shipwreck distantly visible through the lighthouse window, people climbing stone steps to shelter, etc. A brief introduction and closing note provide some background on Grace Darling, the lighthouse-keeper�s daughter, and the shipwreck off of England�s Farne Islands. Readers will find both heroic rescues inspiring. Grades K-3. --Shelle Rosenfeld Read more About the Author During the past 30 years, Ruth Brown has created some of the world's best loved children's books. She is married to artist Ken Brown, and they have two grown-up sons and one grandchild. Read more
S**N
A nice book about a Mother cat & her kitten in a lighthouse.
I just read this book "Gracie, The Lighthouse Cat". It's an amazing book. I would recommend reading it to a little boy or little girl who loves cats or all of the above. I love the artwork in this book. This book is amazing, even to people who love lighthouses. I love lighthouses myself. They remind me of the lighthouses on the coast of Maine. Maine has beautiful lighthouses. The mama cat and kitten are cute. The kitten does get into a little bit of trouble after investigating what's going on outside. It falls into the ocean which I felt put the mama cat into a panic, but luckily the kitten survives and reunites with it's mother and goes back inside to keep warm from the storm. This book touched me. I love my cat very much. This book would be a perfect gift to give to a little boy or little girl for their birthday or Christmas. I recommend it. I guarantee your kids will love the book.
M**O
GRACIE THE LIGHTHOUSE CAT
This book is a beautiful story about a mother cat and her baby. It is a true story, so it definitely touches your heart. It shows you how strong a bond is between a mother cat and her baby. She saved her child in the middle of a horrible storm.This story should be read to every child, to let them see that animals are living beings with feelings and emotions, just like us and show children that animals are to be protected and cherished. Too often we hear about children abusing and killing animals and children should be taught to have compassion towards animals. That is the start of being a true human being.
D**Y
Beautiful Illustrations
The illustrations in this book are classic Ruth Brown. Loved the story too. Perfect book for the child or grand child in your life.
J**N
Wonderful
This is a beautifully done children's book. The story is sweet and the art is wonderful. I highly recommend it!
S**L
Auntie's great finds
Purchased birthday gift for 4 year old sweetheart-girl. she loves cats & kittens. We are learning about Lighthouses, so this book was the perfect gift. Her Mom has not stopped reading it to all the family. Great find!
R**S
Gracie the Lighthouse Cat book
The book was in great shape. I love the illustrations. The story is simple and quick moving. The story tells of a lifestyle and time period in the past and it could take place in more than one country.
D**R
The rescue of shipwrecked people by young Grace Darling will thrill the young reader!
Gracie and her kitten sat on the wide windowsill in the lighthouse as the rains lashed against the window. She closed her eyes to sleep, eyes that didn't see a ship being battered in the raging seas or people stranded on rocks in the distance. Most of all, she didn't see her kitten jump down from the sill to chase after Grace who ran down the winding steps to join her father as he prepared a boat to rescue the shipwrecked men and women. The kitten peered out the door as Grace and her father prepared to launch their rowboat while waves pummeled the lighthouse rocks.The curious kitten soon met with calamity himself when "The wind caught the door and slammed it shut, hurling him out into the storm." Just as the kitten was thrown from the doorstep and Grace and her father began to row frantically in the choppy, windswept waves, Gracie woke from her nap. She began to call to her kitten and search for him. She "climbed out of the cellar window," but her cries went unheeded and unheard "by the howling wind." Would Gracie be able to find her wayward kitten? Would Grace and her father be able to save anyone in the treacherous storm?The rescue of shipwrecked people by young Grace Darling will thrill the young reader. This amazing story is based on the true story of a daring rescue of several shipwreck survivors. Grace's father was the lighthouse keeper of the Longstone Lighthouse in England. There are two stories told in this book, only the story of Grace and her father's rescue are portrayed in pictures while that of the fictional Gracie and her wayward kitten are portrayed both in pictures and text. The magnificently expressive artwork brings both of the stories together and the excitement of both rescues comes alive with each swirl of Ruth Brown's brushes. In the end pages there is a brief portrait of Grace Darling, the rescue, and subsequent fame.This book courtesy of the publisher.
L**L
Lovely Book!
Gracie the Lighthouse Cat by Ruth BrownRecommended Ages 3-7This lovely book is a feast for the eyes done in browns, grays, blacks and blues that jump off the page making you feel you are there. Children love stories about animals. They will not be disappointed. They will be glued to their seats hearing this story about a lighthouse cat and her kitten. Each page will engage the reader on an unexpected adventure of love and fortitude.Though the people in the story are being saved from a storm, it is Gracie and her kitten that commands the readers full attention. The kitten is curious to see the commotion happening below during a treacherous storm. She follows the woman who lives at the lighthouse as her mother Gracie naps. When Gracie realizes her kitten is gone the reader wonders what will happen to the poor kitten.[...]
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