Description: Whittington is a roughneck Tom who arrives one day at a barn full of rescued animals and asks for a place there. He spins for the animals--as well as for Ben and Abby, the kids whose grandfather does the rescuing--a yarn about his ancestor, the nameless cat who brought Dick Whittington to the heights of wealth and power in 16th-century England. This is an unforgettable tale about the healing, transcendent power of storytelling, and how learning to read saves one little boy.

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Children's Literature Review: Animals who are not wanted by the world know they have a place to go: Bernie's barn. Under the direction of a clipped-wing duck named Lady, the animals live their own lives. When Whittington the Cat asks to join them, he knows he must prove himself worthy. He does so by being a good ratter and a better storyteller. Soon all the animals and Bernie's grandchildren gather to hear Wittington tell the story of the Dick Whittington, a medieval adventurer who made his fortune with the help of his cat. The modern Whittington tells his rapt audience he is a descendant of this useful cat. The stories weave together and provide modern readers a glimpse of the old English folktale of Dick Whittington. Adding to the importance of the famous cat's assistance is the very real need of Bernie's grandson Ben, whose reading problems create concern for the family and the animals. Inspired by Whittington's story, Ben promises to make a real attempt to learn to read. But will he be able to succeed? A partic...

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