The publishers had a problem, though: just what do you do when there is a story, and only one drawing to go with it? They turned to Quentin Blake. His illustration style may be very different to that of Beatrix Potter, but it does suit the story admirably.
Kitty-In-Boots is one of two black cats: Kitty, also known as Miss Catherine St Quintin or Squintums, and Winkiepeeps who takes Kitty's place in an old lady's house when Kitty escapes for the night. The 'in boots' part of Kitty's name comes from the fur-lined boots she likes to wear.
Other characters include: Cheesebox, a tortoise-shell cat; Mr Worry Ragman the terrier dog; Mr Tod the Fox; Slimmy Jimmy and his cousin, John Stoat-Ferret. Mrs Tiggy Winkle the hedgehog makes an appearance, as does a rabbit that looks suspiciously like Peter Rabbit.
When Miss Kitty goes poaching, she misses the mice and decides to try for birds and sheep instead. Things go a little awry. Slimmy Jimmy and his cousin are not best pleased. Kitty soon takes after a rabbit who takes her on a merry chase that could lead to an awful lot of trouble!
Will Miss Kitty learn better ways of catching dinner? Read The Tale of Kitty-In-Boots to find out.
The book is 69 pages long and just a little under A4 size, rather than the traditional smaller size of Beatrix Potter book. This gives readers a chance to see more of the detail in the illustrations.
The Tale of Kitty-In-Boots deserves to be in the hands and on the bookshelves of young readers, who will enjoy its elements of surprise, disguise, adventure, and humour.
Title: The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots
Author: Beatrix Potter
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Penguin, $24.99
Publication Date: September 2016
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780241247594
For ages: 5+
Type: Picture book
