(photo courtesy AJ)
While we were down in Cornwall, we visited the little harbour village, Mousehole (pronounced as Mowzul by the locals). This is where the legend behind The Mousehole Cat originated. The children were so excited to visit. The book is a family favourite. TF was determined to spot Mowser, the cat in the book. Although we saw her son and daughter, unfortunately there were no black and white cats to be found.
The story is delightful, as are the illustrations. It tells of how the kind hearted Old Tom ventures into the stormy sea to bring back fish for his village, Mousehole, at Christmas time. The Great Storm Cat will not let any of them pass, that is until Mowser tames him. It has a happy ending and is told in an enchanting way that any child will love it.
We went on an overcast morning. Looking over the safe harbour, out to sea, the mousehole opening in the sea wall shows why the boats in Mousehole survived better than neighbouring open harbours. The Storm Cat had no chance getting his paw through.
Mousehole is a great place to visit. Apart from the harbour, the village is also beautiful to walk around. Everything is on the slope and the cottages are squeezed in. A really typical small Cornish harbour village. Not the easiest place to drive through as the roads, in places, are wide enough for only one car. I was lucky that nothing came the other way, but there are well signed car parks, before you enter the village.
Its a good job she can’t read.
Since we have been back, the children have been making origami boats and building their version of Mousehole. They are also plotting to make a stargazy pie!
It would be fun!
So to celebrate back to school, I bought another copy of the Mousehole Cat, to send to someone who would like a copy of this delightful book. It might make a great present for a young one on your Christmas list. I will even include an origami boat or two.
If you would like a chance to win a copy, leave a comment. Let me know, in your comment, if you are a follower and, as a “thank you”, I’ll enter you twice. Make sure I have some way to contact you. That’s it! So where ever you are in the world, if you would like a little taste of Cornwall, here’s your chance.
I’d love to know if anyone else has cooked a dish inspired by a book. Especially if it is Stargazy Pie !
We’ll randomly pick a winner on Sunday 18th September.
Giveaway closed and winner chosen.
I have visited Mousehole several times, it is such a pretty place.
Oh wow… you visited a book!!! Amazing and would you look at that pie!!! Fun!!!
i love the pics! and the boats on organza… dreamy play.
beautiful book, thank you for this chance dear cheryl!
we would love a copy,, faithful follower,angelina xoxo
ps. we like curious george eats pancakes 🙂
I’ve never had the pleasure of visiting Mousehole or reading The Mousehole Cat, what a beautiful place it looks and the illustrations in the book are lovely…………love the origami boats, very atmospheric.
lily x
this looks like a fantastic book and lovely village. . .
I’m a follower of your blog 😛
Andrea
Hey, that’s really cool to see the harbour in real life and in the book. I love it. I grew up in a fishing town in Newfoundland, Canada. I’ve never had fish pie though! This book intrigues me.
Thanks for sharing!
And I’ve become a follower. I have you in my sidebar blogroll, may as well follow you on your site too!
Oh a lovely place we like to go to when down that way, and a lovely story too which we have on our bookshelves. I’m not sure about the stargazy pie though 🙂
(although a follower of your lovely blog already, please omit my name from the giveaway as we already enjoy a copy of this book … thank you)
We have this book so ignore us..isn’t it lovely
I used to enjoy the animation of the book from 1994 ..we have a recording somewhere but found it on youtube in case you don’t have it? It’s true to the book and involved both author and illustrator.
the links are here (it’s split in 3 parts by the uploader)
http://youtu.be/ynKcFY0ceeM
http://youtu.be/BtecTOc6nII
http://youtu.be/Kyx_sDig-Vc
and there is also a lovely interview with both the author and the illustrator there too
http://youtu.be/-PI1SId_EVw
I would love to win the book. I am a follower of your blog.
It’s a lovely book and a great story – I remember reading it to my children when they were smal..
Pomona x
What amazing photos (and as ever I am loving the pic of Gwinny).
So we would be thrilled to win a copy of the book (we like books).
We also follow your Blog (which was insanely simple to do – don’t know why we didn’t do it sooner).
Will have a think about the recipe thing. I am sure we have made something from a book, but off the top of my head I can’t remember what.
You keep taunting me with all of this English countryside! Someday… I’ve never heard of the book before but it sounds sweet and the illustrations are wonderful! I don’t have the capability of following, but I’d love to be in the drawing!
Blessings, Debbie
As a child I lived in St. Ives for several years, until we came ‘home’ to Australia. I woul love to be able to share a little of my childhood with my children.
I am now following you.