Kaspar the Titanic Cat

February 20, 2012
Former British children’s laureate Morpurgo (War Horse) offers a sweet, touching historical novel (published in the U.K. in 2008) that balances sentimentality with humor and action. The orphaned 14-year-old narrator, Johnny Trott, a put-upon bellhop at a London hotel, becomes the caretaker of the titular cat after the sudden death of Kaspar’s owner, the opera singer Countess Kandinsky. As Johnny attempts to hide his new charge from the hotel’s malicious head housekeeper, Mrs. Blaise (nicknamed “Skullface”), he worries that Kaspar is pining for his late owner. Kaspar cheers up when he meets Lizziebeth, a girl who instantly takes to the cat. Morpurgo keeps the action moving swiftly, with new characters and concerns shoring up the fast friendship that forms between the two teenagers (and the cat they love). Readers might find the title misleading—only about a third of the story takes place on board the Titanic, although it certainly represents the tensest part of the novel—but the story is more than enjoyable enough to compensate, with Foreman’s delicately detailed spot art contributing to the book’s strong sense of atmosphere. Ages 8–12.

January 15, 2012
Readers might be tempted to check the copyright date on this old-fashioned rags-to-riches tale that manages to turn a major historical disaster into just another incident in the narrator's very full life. The overall tone is decidedly nostalgic as Johnny Trott, a poor orphan who once worked as a bellboy at the swanky Savoy Hotel in London, tells his story. From the arrival (and untimely demise) of a talented Russian singer and her titular cat Kaspar through Johnny's acquaintance with a mischievous young American girl, a stint as a stowaway on the Titanic, the well-known sinking of the great ship, life in the United States, the Great War and back (just for a visit) to the Savoy, Morpurgo crams in too much action with too little emotional depth. Stilted conversational styles reflect the formality of the day but serve to further distance readers. Kaspar, while realistically portrayed in his feline hauteur and self-absorption, has limited appeal and, like most of the other characters, seems to exist mainly to propel the plot. Foreman's black-and-white illustrations have a pleasing variation of texture, the likely result of having been first rendered in watercolor. From small vignettes to larger scenes, they effectively capture the styles of the day and accurately reflect the action, but they can't quite manage to enliven the text. Surprisingly (and disappointingly) dull. (Historical fiction. 9-12)

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July 1, 2012

Gr 2-5-Despite the title, this is really the story of a bell boy at the ritzy Savoy Hotel in London. Kaspar arrives with a wealthy Russian singer, and, after her tragic death, Johnny Trott takes care of him even though he is not allowed any pets in his room. Elizabeth Stanton, the young daughter of rich Americans, and her family are staying at the Savoy until they sail home. After accompanying the Stantons to the ship and giving Kaspar to Lizziebeth, Johnny makes a rash decision to stow away. He is rapidly discovered and put to work in the engine room stoking the big furnaces. When the iceberg is hit, Johnny goes to wake the Stantons and helps to rescue Kaspar and get him on a lifeboat. All three Stantons, Kaspar, and Johnny survive the disaster and Johnny is adopted by the family. There is nothing remarkable about this story to make it stand out from among the other offerings commemorating the famous disaster. The characters are likable, but almost caricatures; for instance, the matron in charge is called "Skullface" by the children because she is mean and angry. Foreman's black-and-white illustrations, many full page, help accentuate the narrative, and short sentences, adequate white space, and the medium-size text will aid readers who are transitioning to more challenging chapter books. However, the nostalgic, humdrum story may not captivate their interest.-Amy Commers, South St. Paul Public Library, MN

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2012
Grades 3-6 No, this isn't based on a true story. But it has the flavor of one, as Morpurgo introduces us to 14-year-old London bellboy Johnny Trott, an orphan who garners tips by behaving like a willing puppy dog for the elite guests of the Savoy Hotel. It is the arrival of a Russian countessand her moody black cat, Kasparthat changes everything. The countess suffers a terrible tragedy, forcing Johnny to care for the cat. Later, while helping an American family load their luggage (and Kaspar) aboard the Titanic, Johnny makes the sudden decision to become a stowaway. Over half of this book takes place at the Savoy, and the action aboard the doomed ship speeds by almost too quickly for readers to find their sea legs. Perhaps advisably, there is little awe or terror in Morpurgo's language ( we knew now we were going down with her ), though Foreman's black-and-white sketches communicate plenty of grandeur and horror. Overall, this is a hopeful book about a hopeless tragedy and a fine introduction to a perennially discussed topic.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)