Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Ghost Cat
Illustrator: Kevin M. Barry
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Sleeping Bear Press, 2017 ISBN: 978-1585369935
Sailor Boy is a cat who lives in the Port Carrick Lighthouse with his friend Miss Maggie McCullen. Miss Maggie is the lighthouse keeper, and Sailor Boy is her companion. It just so happens that Sailor Boy is no longer alive, but that does not matter in the slightest. When he passed away Sailor Boy decided to stay with his friend and, either visible or invisible, he keeps her company when she lights the light every night, and as she does her chores during the day.
Miss Maggie’s steadfast work at the lighthouse has saved the lives of countless sailors. She is greatly appreciated by the people who depend on her light to save them from being wrecked on the rocks.
One day Miss Maggie’s niece comes to visit. Sailor Boy thinks that she is rather foolish for rowing out to the lighthouse when a storm is brewing. Sure enough, when it is time to leave, the storm is so fierce that it is decided that Cissie will spend the night.
That night, as always, Miss Maggie climbs the many stairs of the lighthouse so that she can light the light, but this time she falls and hurts herself. In fact, her injury is so bad that she cannot get up to the light, and on this stormy evening the light is needed more than ever!
In this charming picture book we meet a singular cat character who is quite delightful. His playful and loving personality comes through as we are given the opportunity to visit his little lighthouse world.
At the back of the book readers will find out more information about lighthouses and their keepers.
