Carbonel (A Puffin Book)

Product Information

In the mid-1950s, British families without fathers were unfortunately common; it went without saying that the fathers had been killed during World War II, either in the military or in the Blitz. The children learn that he has become the familiar of Miss Dibdin, who is experimenting with magic once again.

The first book came out in 1955, the second in 1960, and this one in 1978 (John even wears bellbottoms on the cover).

A good cat is apt to be independent, so she did not have things all her own way, and as Carbonel proved to be a Royal cat in a very special sense, that was understandable.

Thanks to Miss Dibdin’s amateurish magic, John turns invisible; which causes new problems but makes it easier to find the kittens than they expect. Carbonel is a really cute story, another that I would have loved as a child, full of adventures as Rosemary, Carbonel and their new friend John, try to track down the various items needed to release him so he can go back and save his people from the sinister ginger cat who has taken over in his absence.It seems that his son Calidor has rejected his princely status for the love of a streetwise cat named Wellingtonia (also known as Dumpsie). To Rosemary’s immense surprise, she discovers that she can understand everything the cat says, as long as she holds onto the broom. It's when I learned the word "widdershins" which I've almost never seen since (and spell check doesn't recognise) and is a great way to learn about other times and cultures. But along the way Rosemary and her friend John must do some clever sleuthing, work a little magic of their own, and—not least—put up with the demands of a very haughty cat.

Carbonel and his queen, Blandamour, entrust their young kittens, black Prince Calidor and tortoise-shell Princess Pergamond, to the children.Dispatched in cardboard mailers within 24/48 Hours Mon - Friday 2pm, except bank holidays, otherwise next business day - excellent service guaranteed. A perfect blend of magic and everyday life, this delightful sequel to Carbonel has delighted children for generations. She befriends John and then she and John set about gaining Carbonel his freedom from the witch's spell and have many adventures along the way.

And if she had a broom, she would look quite professional, and may be able to earn some money to contribute to the household by going to clean other people’s houses, too. The peril is just enough to keep young readers interested, and some words and phrases American parents and children alike will need to look up, but that's half the fun!What unfurls then, is a wonderful adventure in which Elizabeth seeks to unbind the beautiful cat, Carbonel, from a curse placed upon him by his previous owner.