Gobbolino The Witch’s Cat by Ursula Moray Williams, is a lovely classic children’s tale of a cat with some magical powers, but all that he wants to do is to be lazy around a warm kitchen.

An easy, short and funny story, this book is a good choice for readers still not skilled enough to finish the longer newer books in magical settings like the Harry Potter series. It is also a good book to read aloud to younger children to bring up their interest in books and reading.

Gobbolino is a cute little cat, born to a witch’s cat, he is a bit different from the rest of the litter as he has one white paw instead of being all black, and blue eyes instead of green. Not only does his appearance makes him unfit to be in a witch’s household, his mild and lazy nature too is not up to the tricks he is supposed to play, despite possessing the magical skills for mischief.

So Gobbolino moves from one place to another —from an orphanage to a Punch and Judy show to a princess’s castle — looking for a suitable place that will let him live out some lazy days in peace. The resulting adventures Gobbolino has and the many characters — such as wicked witches on broomsticks, a kind princess, a dragon in the tower, a kind woodcutter and his spoilt granddaughter, among many others — make this a timeless classic for children.

The basic theme of trying to find a place in the world and fit in is universal enough to appeal to older readers too. The pencil sketches appear a bit old-fashioned in style but it is something that is seen in a lot of newer books so the readers of today will be able to relate to it easily.

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 28th, 2018