A delightful tale by Gretchen Woelfle that tells of a cat named Katje who first rules the roost until his master, Nico, marries.
Nico grinds grain in a windmill and Katje keeps the mice away. They have a very loving relationship. Katje spends her days chasing mice and her nights curled up in bed with Nico. They go for long walks together and watch for storms.
One day, Nico marries Lena and brings her home. Katje’s coveted spot on the bed is taken over. She brings in dust and is constantly being swept out by Lena. Once the baby arrives, Katje is constantly being swept away off the crib. But Katje still sneaks in to play with the baby. Katje decides to not come home anymore and instead sleep in the mill.
One day a huge storm hits and the dike breaks, flooding the town. Katje and the baby are swept up in the floor. Katje keeps the cradle balanced so it won’t tip over. Both are rescued, safe and sound.
Katje is now allowed indoors and sleeps in the cradle as her own once the baby outgrows it. She is careful to lick her paws before entering. She plays with the baby and chases mice, content once again with her life.
Based on the St. Elizabeth’s Day flood in Holland in 1421 where the dike broke, a cat and a baby did survive the flood, huddled together safe and sound. The dike was rebuilt and named Kinderdijk which means Children’s Dike in Dutch in honor of the baby who was saved by the cat.
Charming story of how marriages and other life events can shake things up in a family not only for people but also for pets. Great depiction of the bond between animals and children and animals and people and how they come together in the face of adversity.
Highly recommended as both a historical source of Middle Ages Netherlands and as a feel-good tale. Illustrations complement both nicely.
Thank you so much. This is a sweet story and it made for a nice warm feeling. Thank you again for sharing.
Thank you so much. I enjoyed this. GOD bless you