The Cat Mummy
by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
Interest age: 8 to 9
Reading age: 8 to 9
Published by Yearling, 2009
About this book
Mabel the cat is very special. She used to belong to Verity's mother, who died when Verity was born. One day Mabel goes missing; Verity searches for her but discovers that the cat has curled up and died at the bottom of her wardrobe.
After she learns at school that the Ancient Egyptians worshipped cats, she decides to mummify Mabel - however, a combination of Verity's odd behaviour, and an increasingly unpleasant smell emanating from her room, begins to arouse the suspicions of Gran, and Verity is very worried that she will not be able to keep her Cat Mummy secret for much longer.
As well as focusing on the trauma of a family pet dying, Wilson also examines the fact that the family never really came to terms with the death of Verity's mother. A deceptively simple tale which explores the issue of bereavement for younger readers.
About the author
What to read next
We know that children can get hooked on a favourite book series or author and struggle to find something they love as much, but we’re here to help.
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We know it's so easy to get attached to a favourite author, and when their books are as good as Jacqueline Wilson's, it's no surprise that some children feel like they'll never find anything they love as much. But we've got some recommendations about great stories they can try next - and we want to hear your ideas too!
More books like this
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Love Lessons
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Midnight
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The Diamond Girls
by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
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The Story of Tracy Beaker
by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
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Lists of recommended reads
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Books about grief and loss for 5 to 8 year olds
Books can help children to understand sad feelings – from losing a cherished toy to the death of a family member.