Cat Hiss-tory: A Feline Tour Through the Ages
Bill Bell, with text by Frederica Templeton
Smithmark
Fiction, CH Picture Book
Themes: Anthropomorphism, Felines, Religious Themes
****
Description
Phineas T. Tiger offers a unique look at historic events and cultures from a feline perspective, told by Bell's illustrations and Templeton's words. From Cat Creation through modern times, from the Aztecs to the Chinese, Phineas tells all.
Review
I admit to buying this one for the whimsical, imaginative illustrations that fall just sort of the Cute/Sap line. Well, that and the reduced price. That's also why Bell's name is listed first - this is primarily a showcase for his pictures, rather than a "history" book with his illustrations augmenting the text. The fact that this is listed as Fiction indicates the depth of the "history" outlined. What story there is seems to jump about; the pictures are more interesting. There are a few details that only older readers might appreciate, being familiar with the events described, but all ages should enjoy Bell's illustrated history book.