Trim
was a cat born for adventure.
This sentence sets up the entire story which is
about the relationship shared by Matthew Flinders and the cat he saved from
drowning when on the HMS Reliance in 1799.
A powerful friendship was formed that day. Trim became
Flinders’ dedicated companion on all his expeditions until he was accused of
spying, and imprisoned on Isle de France.
There Trim left never to be seen again.
Corinne Fenton has a gift for reproducing real
historical events. She uses her animal characters as centrepieces in her
stories and builds exciting adventures around them. It’s a clever construction that
aids retention of the historical facts. Her use of language is careful and
considered with her repetition of sounds lifting and falling in rhythm when
read.
The story logs Matthew Flinders’ explorations and
travels, his challenges and how he overcame them while sharing his life and
affection with Trim as they charted the unknown coasts of Australia. The fickle
nature of cats shows in Trim as, unable to be cared for in the way he was
accustomed, he escapes during Flinders’ imprisonment to find a new home and new
adventures.
Craig Smith’s trademark expressions and emotions
are once more reflected on the faces of his characters to add authenticity to
the life of Trim and his fellow travellers. Stunning detail is found in the
illustrations of the ships, on board and in the sea. The migrating birds above
the masts, the dark, treacherous seas and stormy skies, all breathe reality
into the story.
Smith has included bonus miniature images of the
five ships mentioned throughout the story (and a stagecoach). These are
positioned at various points on the illustrated pages, like surprises waiting to
be discovered. There is a Postscript at the end of the book, along with a
gathering of those illustrated miniature ships.
The magnificent cover shows Flinders and Trim
leaning on the side of the ship looking out to sea. The back cover depicts the
crew and Trim with Flinders, as a boat full of sailors, sails towards the
coastline, their ship far back in the background.
Beautiful end pages filled with maps and the same
floating ships complete this outstanding publication which is ideal as an
introduction to Australian history for early learners.
Title:
A Cat Called Trim
Author:
Corrine Fenton
Illustrator:
Craig Smith
Publisher:
Allen & Unwin, $24.99
Publication
Date: 1 April 2019
Format:
Hardcover
For
ages: 5 - 8
Type:
Non Fiction Picture Book
