Captain Kidd's Cat

McDermot the cat narrates this historical fiction account of the famous Captain William Kidd's final voyages in the late 1600s. The story follows their adventures across the seas as Kidd commands the Adventure Galley, with McDermot observing the captain's actions and character from a unique feline perspective. The narrative provides details about maritime life, sailing vessels, and the complex political landscape that sea captains had to navigate during the Golden Age of Piracy. Through McDermot's eyes, readers experience life aboard ship, ports of call, and the increasing tensions that surround Captain Kidd's fateful decisions. The book presents a counterpoint to the traditional portrayal of the legendary Captain Kidd, exploring themes of loyalty, justice, and the blurred lines between piracy and legitimate privateering. The cat's detached yet intimate perspective raises questions about how history judges its notorious figures.

Reader reviews of Captain Kidd's Cat emphasize its unique perspective, telling the pirate's story through his cat McDermot's eyes. Parents report children ages 8-12 engage well with the historical tale. Readers appreciated: - The cat narrator's witty observations and personality - Historical accuracy and educational value - The atmospheric descriptions of sailing life - Black and white illustrations by the author - Appropriate level of adventure without excessive violence Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Some outdated language and references - Limited availability of the book Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (121 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (15 ratings) "The cat's voice adds humor while keeping the history accessible," notes one teacher reviewer. Another parent writes, "My 10-year-old learned about colonial America without realizing he was learning." Some readers mention difficulty finding copies, as the book remains out of print since its 1956 publication.

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🏴‍☠️ Robert Lawson both wrote and illustrated Captain Kidd's Cat (1956), creating detailed pen-and-ink drawings that brought the pirate tale to life. ⚓ The story is narrated by McDermot the cat, who tells the tale of Captain Kidd from a feline perspective, making it one of the earliest notable pirate stories told from an animal's point of view. 🗺️ While the book is fiction, it's based on the real historical figure William Kidd, who was executed for piracy in 1701 despite maintaining his innocence until death. 🏆 Robert Lawson is the only person to have won both the Caldecott Medal (for illustration) and the Newbery Medal (for writing), though not for this particular book. ⛵ The book portrays Captain Kidd as a victim of circumstance rather than a ruthless pirate, aligning with modern historians who debate whether Kidd was actually a pirate or a legitimate privateer caught in political intrigue.