Doorkins the Cathedral Cat

This is a thoroughly enjoyable story about a week in the life of Doorkins, the cat who lives at Southwark Cathedral. Knowing nothing about this landmark in London, it was fun and interesting to be introduced to it through the story based on events that have truly happened. The illustrations are great, but one of my favorite parts was seeing the real photos of Doorkins in areas of the cathedral at the end. This would be a nice addition to a school library collection.

I loved this and I just think it is such a beautiful story.

Doorkins is a story about a cat that visited Southwark Cathedral and made it her home. The most amazing thing about this story is that it is true. I found it funny the way the cat gently became part of the cathedral community. I attend this cathedral and once had the honour of finding her snoozing on the high altar one morning. Like many people I have photos of her snoozing in the various nooks and crannies in the Cathedral.

When I saw this lovely book on Netgalley I really wanted it. I really like the way the story combines lovely artwork with real photographs and a real story. It is great to see the cathedral cat and community together in a book.

I also think there is a deeper message here for both children and adults and that is one of welcome. Southwark Cathedral is indeed a place where anyone can find a home and there are many of us who visited there or popped in to attend a service or event and have never left.

And so the story of Doorkins becomes the story of each of us who are part of the cathedral community

The best part for me is the story of the Queen's visit and to have the photos as well is just priceless and highly amusing

This is a lovely book and very entertaining for children and adults alike


Copy provided by publishers in exchange for an unbiased review

This was such a charming story about a cat who lives at Southwark Cathedral. Through the cat's adventures in a week the reader gets to see what happens at a cathedral, who visits it and why. All sorts of events happened, from the Queen's visit to the choir practicing. The best thing about the book is that it's not a fictional story but a recounting of actual events. And there are photos to confirm it.

I thought that this story was lovely. I thought that the images at the end of the book were a lovely touch and boy did Doorkins get up to some exciting things! A lovely book to have as a memory from a visit to the Cathedral or even a visit to London- 4 stars.

This story is very much in the vein of Dewey the library cat, but this cat lives in a cathedral. She came in from the cold one night and made a permanent home. A lovely story, with nice illustrations, and real life pictures at the end.

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I was unaware of Doorkins and the celebrity status he has attained in Southwark's Cathedral. After reading this book, I am officially a fan. If you loved reading Dewey the library cat's story, you'll enjoy this cute picture book.

One day a cat showed up at the door of Southwark Cathedral in London. It decided to stay and was named Doorkins. This story is a week in the life of Doorkins. He has the run of the Cathedral and using his exploits, we have a tour. I had not heard of this cathedral before but from this story I learned that it has a history. All the events in the story are true and did happen, but not in the same week. At the end of the book, there are actual pictures of Doorkins and the events such as the visit from Queen Elizabeeth II. The illustrations are large and would appeal to children. A cute book.

Doorkins the Cathedral Cat is a picture book about a real cat that lives in a real Cathedral in Great Britain. Doorkins even meets the queen. This is a delightful cat's tale that should brighten your story time. The pictures are reminiscent of wood cuts, with a stained glass kind of look to them. The end papers with paw prints are cheerful and beckon the young reader in. Perfect for a child to browse or read on their own depending on their age. Recommend for libraries and gift giving. Sweet book.

5 stars for this charming story.

This is a delightful children's picture book about Doorkins, the real-life cat who lives in and around London's Southwark Cathedral. This story effortlessly sketches the life and goings-on of a cat, a cathedral and a community in the space of 30-something pages. We follow Doorkins as she naps, has selfies taken with visitors, sits in on a church meeting, entertains school visitors, listens to the choir, attends a wedding and a church service, and even meets the Queen. Lisa Gutwein's story-telling is gentle and entertaining, and is beautifully complemented by Rowan Ambrose's sweet, detailed illustrations. The end of the book recounts some facts about Doorkins and Southwark Cathedral, and shares photos of Doorkins, including her meeting with the Queen. The perfect end to a perfect book!

I received this ebook free from NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Princess Fuzzypants here:
Ironic that my parents are visiting England but not London this trip across the pond. I would have asked them to stop by Southwark Cathedral to visit Doorkins. He is the official cat there and has great responsibility to welcome visitors, help in services and generally be an ambassador on four paws.
This book tells his story since he is a real kitty who does all those things. The book is a charming description of his life. He started out inauspiciously as a street cat. He knew a good thing once he found it. He ventured into the Cathedral where he found humans who would treat him like the royalty he is. He's even met The Queen!
It is a lovely book for the little ones in your life and an inspurration to all of us felines. Aim high.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.

I want to go to London and visit this cathedral to meet Doorkins. What a cutie! I liked the sweet story and illustrations. I also thought their description and portrayal of a cat’s personality was perfect.