Gobbolino the witch's cat - recommend as bedtime story for 4-6 year olds

[popsycal]

DS1 is 4 and a half and is loving this story by Ursula Moray Williams. The chapters are short, it is beautifully written (love her other books for older children too) and the story is magical and enchanting.
I remember it being read to me in infant school!

This was one of my absolute favourites for ages - it's unbelievably atmospheric and exciting. Thanks popy, you've reminded me - I must get it for my two!!

There's a sequel too, Gobbolino and the Little Wooden Horse

ohh i think we have that book. I haven't read it though

Oh I loved this book as a child, thanks for the reminder!

I love this book and have it ready for DD when she is old enough.

Anyone for Alison Utterly??

I read it over and over again, and also had an audio recording of it - I can still hear the voice of the woman who read it, it was SUCH an amazing story!

I wanted to be Sootica, she kicked the shit

Ooh, Ioved this book - it was the first one I chose for myself!

I have this and wondered about it for ds (nearly 4) but it all seemed far too sad for him atm

Maybe for a slightly older child as you suggest?

Alison Utterly rings a bell...something about a rabbit? or am I imagining that?

Oooh I remember listening to it on a story tape too. I can still remember the music!

Wasn't there a song that went with this? I seem to remember 'Gobbolino you will call him, he wants just a fire and a mat'. Think we sang it in the school choir

Yes, "Little Gobbolino, with one white paw"

Ooh, we've just read this to DS2 (5). DS1 wouldn't have any of it, as it's too twee, but it is right up DS2's street. It is terribly sad at times though, and we had tears at various points. Gobbolino is wonderfully good-natured and polite: "Oh, whatever is to become of me? Still, that is what comes of being born a witch's cat."

We're now reading "Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse" which is also fantastically twee and old-fashioned.

it was the song that started me remembering it. My mum found an old tape with me singing the song
still know all the words lol

Message withdrawn

Late one night in a witch's cabin
Two little kittens rolled onto the floor
One named Sootica was black all over
The other, Gobbolino, had just one white paw

(Der der der der der der de-de-de-dum)

Who'll give a home to a kitten?
Who'll give a home to a cat?
Gobbolino you may call me,
All I want is a fire and a mat.

(Why can I remember all this stuff when I can never remember the 3 things I went into Boots to buy?)

Thanks popsycat
gonna run and buy it
had forgotten it's existence
loved that book

Anyone remember Lizzie Dripping?

One of my fave books as a child.
My DCs loved it too.

Humphreycushion, are you thatstrange cushion thing on the back of a chair in that kid's tv programme in the 70's? Iykwim
If so, what was that programme called?

If not,
nice name!

humphrey cushion!!!

have vivid memories of that!

programme was called hickory house

Sassy this is the reason we are friends!!!!!!! (as in I'm the same, not that I remember what you went to Boots for!! )

I remember gobbilino - thanks for the reminder - will look in the library over the easter hols

oooohh, i remember!!
There was also a talking mop in the kitchen.....
Ordered gobilino from local bookstore today..

Sorry, mop in hickory house.....not gobilino!

i have gobbolino on vinyl unfortunatly i've no record player !!! didn't even know it WAS a book but loved listening to kids records with me mum when a LO