A parent might reach for this book when their child is craving a spooky, mysterious tale that isn't truly scary, or for a child who loves to tell wild stories. Based on an English folktale, it follows a church sexton named Peter who sees bizarre things in the graveyard, like cats holding a funeral for their king. His boss, Father Allen, dismisses his tales as pure imagination. The story explores themes of honesty, wonder, and the thrill of having an unbelievable story turn out to be true. It’s perfect for early elementary children who love suspense and a touch of magic. Its gentle build-up and surprising, humorous conclusion make it an excellent choice for a cozy, shiver-inducing read-aloud.
The book's central event is a funeral and the death of a king, but it is handled in a completely fantastical, non-human context. The religious setting (a church, a priest) is a backdrop for the English folklore and is not theological. The resolution is one of magical surprise, not grief or sadness.
Ideal Reader
A 6 to 8-year-old who loves folklore, mystery, and spooky-but-not-scary stories. It’s a perfect fit for a child with a vibrant imagination who sometimes feels frustrated when adults don't believe their more fantastical observations or stories.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. The gothic, scratchboard-style illustrations are atmospheric but not terrifying, a quick preview might be helpful for very sensitive children. The vocabulary is mostly accessible, though a word like "sexton" might need a brief explanation. The parent has just heard their child tell an elaborate, unbelievable story and isn't sure how to respond. Or, a child asks for a Halloween-style story but is too sensitive for anything genuinely frightening.
Age Experience
A 5-year-old will be captivated by the spooky mood, the repetition in the storytelling, and the shocking, funny ending where the cat talks and disappears. A 7 or 8-year-old will better appreciate the mounting suspense, the humorous skepticism of Father Allen, and the folklore element of a hidden, magical animal world coexisting with our own.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many talking-animal fantasies, this book grounds itself in the eerie tradition of folklore. Its uniqueness lies in its masterful pacing and restraint. The story builds suspense through dialogue and disbelief, saving the single, powerful moment of overt magic for the very end. This makes the final reveal incredibly impactful and memorable, validating the storyteller's incredible tales.
Read plot summary
A church sexton, Peter, known for telling tall tales, reports a series of strange sightings to his priest, Father Allen. First, he sees a procession of cats carrying a small coffin with a crown. Next, he sees cats digging a grave. Father Allen remains skeptical. The story culminates when Peter relays a message from the cats: "Tell Tom Tildrum that Tim Toldrum is dead." At this, the priest's cat, Tom, shrieks, "Then I'm King o' the Cats!" and vanishes up the chimney, proving Peter's story true.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
At the beginning of the story, Father Allen doesn't believe Peter's tales. Why do you think he is so skeptical?
2
Tom the cat was living as a normal pet but was secretly a prince. Why do you think he kept his royal identity a secret?
3
If you were Peter and saw the cat's funeral procession, what would you have done or said?
4
What do you think will happen now that Tom Tildrum is the new King o' the Cats? What will his kingdom be like?
5
Peter is known for telling 'wild tales.' After this, do you think Father Allen will believe Peter's other stories?
