Morgan began his life on a pile of newspapers and a felt hat in a London bomb shelter. Ever since, he has found the smell of ink calming and safe, reminding him of his mum. London however, is still being bombed and Morgan isn’t fully grown before tragedy strikes.

The war goes on and on, London continually bombed night after night. It’s two years down the track before Morgan’s life on the streets changes, and it’s all to do with a stolen banana.

Finding himself inside a room full of paper and ink, Morgan settles into his memories for the night. The next morning brings people, one keen to be rid of him and one who believes Morgan has helped him. He is invited to a saucer of milk, which soon turns into a bowl with his name on it and an official job in the office of publisher company – Faber & Faber. He is a door cat, welcoming all who visit the office.

Morgan isn’t a cat to forget where he came from though, and he shares his gifts from visiting authors with street cats needing a meal or shelter. Seeing a dire need for safety, Morgan begins an even grander plan.

Many authors myself included, have a ‘Book Cat’ nearby, whether keeping them company, lying on their keyboard when they think they need a break, or sitting on their chair when they need to do something else.

I have a space especially for our cat Looey, so she feels included and not ignored, as cats often do. I can get away with an hour or so, before attention to her is required. This story is based on a real street cat, who turned up at Faber & Faber Publishing and never left.

Morgan is a kind and clever character, with plans to not only help many kittens in his care, but aid many authors in their writing endeavours. This hardback, illustrated throughout in black, white and tones of red would make the perfect gift for a young cat lover.

Author – Polly Faber
Illustrator – Clara Vulliamy
Age – 6+

(2021, Faber & Faber, Allen & Unwin, Cat, Street cat, London, Blitz, War, Bombs, Kindness, Publishing House, Authors, Kittens, Animals, 1943, 1944, 1945, End of the war, Historical)