Books › Cat Mummy
Cat Mummy
96 pages
A tender and accessible exploration of a child's unique way of processing grief and helping her family find their voice.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like a gentle, empathetic embrace during a difficult time. It balances the heavy, melancholy atmosphere of unspoken family grief with an earnest, accessible tone that never overwhelms its young audience. The narrative moves at a steady pace, anchoring the reader in the tender, sometimes quirky coping mechanisms of a child trying to make sense of loss. The prose is straightforward and enjoyable, carefully designed to guide young readers through complex emotional landscapes without losing a sense of warmth. It is a deeply touching experience that traces a path from silent sorrow to hopeful, open communication, perfect for young readers who need a safe space to explore the realities of bereavement and family healing.
- Mood
- melancholy
- tender
- hopeful
- Tone
- accessible
- earnest
- gentle
- sensitive
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- processing grief · family communication · loss of a pet · childhood coping mechanisms
- The writing
- Accessible, enjoyable, and uniquely suited to guiding young readers through difficult emotional terrain.
- The arc
- Moves from isolated, silent grief and misunderstanding to open communication and shared family healing.
- Who it's for
- Young readers aged seven to eleven who appreciate gentle, emotionally honest stories about family dynamics and loss.
Content notes
- death of a pet
- death of a parent in childbirth
- grief and bereavement
About the book
Another superb bestseller for 7- to 11-year-olds from Jacqueline Wilson.I SOMETIMES TALK ABOUT MY MUM TO MABEL, BECAUSE MABEL DOESN'T EVER GET UPSET.Verity adores her cat, Mabel, and is desperately sad when she dies. Remembering her recent school lessons about the Ancient Egyptians, Verity decides to mummify Mabel and keep her hidden. Verity's dad and grandparents can't bear to talk about death, having lost Verity's mum in childbirth, but when they eventually discover what Verity has done with Mabel, the whole family learns that it's time to talk.A superb handling of bereavement in Wilson's uniquely accessible and enjoyable style, for readers of 7+.
Description from Open Library.
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