For the child who dreams of making their own fortune and overcoming challenges, this classic tale shows how kindness and cleverness can lead to great success.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling small, discouraged, or is dreaming of a bigger future beyond their current circumstances. This classic English folktale tells the story of Dick Whittington, a poor orphan who journeys to London believing the streets are paved with gold. While life is initially hard, his kindness, perseverance, and his only possession, a clever cat, lead him to unexpected fortune and high esteem. The story beautifully illustrates themes of resilience, the power of friendship, and how one's unique skills can be a great asset. For ages 5 to 8, it's a wonderfully hopeful tale that shows that a good heart and a bit of luck can help you overcome any obstacle.
The book deals with poverty, homelessness, and bullying (the cook is cruel to Dick). The approach is direct but handled in a classic, non-graphic folktale style. The resolution is entirely hopeful, portraying a complete reversal of fortune through luck and merit. The story is secular, rooted in English folklore.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a 6 or 7-year-old who is feeling discouraged by a challenge or feels they don't have much to contribute. It speaks to the child who feels like the "underdog" and needs a story to show that even small contributions can have a huge impact. It's also excellent for a child with a strong sense of justice who enjoys seeing good triumph over hardship.
Parent Prep
A parent might want to preview the pages depicting the cook's mistreatment of Dick. It's an opportunity to discuss bullying and resilience. The concept of sending a cat as a "venture" on a merchant ship might also require a brief, simple explanation about old trading practices. Otherwise, the story can be read cold. A parent has heard their child say something like, "I'm not good at anything," or, "It's not fair, they have more than me." The child might be feeling powerless or overlooked and needs a narrative that champions the success of the humble and kind.
Age Experience
A 5-year-old will primarily enjoy the adventure, the relationship between Dick and his cat, and the simple, happy ending. They will understand the basic concepts of poverty and wealth. An 8-year-old can appreciate the deeper themes of perseverance, social mobility, taking calculated risks, and the historical context of the story. They can also reflect on the role of luck versus hard work in Dick's success.
What Makes It Special
Marcia Brown's Caldecott Honor-winning linocut illustrations give this version a distinct, historical, and artistically significant feel. The stark, dynamic black-and-gold prints evoke the medieval setting powerfully. Unlike more brightly colored, modern retellings, this book feels like a genuine piece of folklore, providing a more classic and timeless reading experience.
Read plot summary
A poor orphan named Dick Whittington walks to medieval London, hoping to find his fortune. He finds work with a kind merchant, Mr. Fitzwarren, but is tormented by the household's cook and a plague of rats in his attic room. His only possession is a cat, a fine mouser. When Mr. Fitzwarren sends a ship on a trading voyage, he insists every servant offer a "venture." Having nothing else, Dick sends his cat. The cat arrives in a kingdom in Barbary overrun by rats and is sold to the king for an immense treasure. Dick, now wealthy, marries the merchant's daughter and goes on to become the Lord Mayor of London three times.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Dick's only possession in the world was his cat. Why do you think he agreed to send it away on the ship, even though he would be lonely?
2
The cook was very unkind to Dick. How did Dick handle this treatment? What does the story show us about dealing with people who are not nice?
3
When Dick felt hopeless and was leaving London, the sound of the Bow Bells made him turn back. What do you think the bells were telling him? Have you ever felt like giving up on something hard?
4
The cat was just a normal cat in London, but it was worth a fortune to the King of Barbary. Why was the cat so much more valuable in that new place?
5
Mr. Fitzwarren was a kind man who helped Dick. How did his kindness change Dick's life?
