“...Whether you come to this book as an English major or as a cat lover, you will agree the first line of 'The Cheshire Cheese Cat' is pure genius...This joint effort from Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright, illustrated charmingly by Barry Moser, might be best appreciated as a read-aloud. It is sure to spark dialogue about loyalty and bullying...and Anglophiles young and old will appreciate the tale of Maldwyn, an injured raven hiding out at the Cheese and plotting his return to this rightful role guarding the Tower of London...” ―The New York Times

“...Readers with great expectations will find them fully satisfied by this tongue-in-cheek romp through a historic public House that is the very opposite of Bleak.” ―Kirkus, * STARRED REVIEW *

“...The fast-moving plot is a masterwork of intricate detail that will keep readers enthralled, and the characters are well-rounded and believable. Language is a highlight of the novel; words both elegant and colorful fill the pages...Combined with Moser's precise pencil sketches of personality-filled characters, the book is a success in every way. It should be a first purchase for libraries interested in bringing young readers to the marvels of Dickens via the back - or, should I say tavern - door.” ―School Library Journal, * STARRED REVIEW *

“...Moser's graphite illustrations are realistic and wonderfully emotive, especially in combination with the novel's fresh dialogue, typographical flights of fancy, and wordplay. Expertly realized characters and effervescent storytelling make this story of unlikely friendship, royal ravens, and 'the finest cheese in London' a delight.” ―Publishers Weekly, * STARRED REVIEW *

“Alley cat Skilley finagles his way off the tough streets of London and into a life as a mouser at a local inn where he strikes up an unlikely alliance with the resident mouse and befriends Dickens. A zany scheme and high jinks ensue. Dickensian references pepper this playful, clever tale illustrated with pencil drawings.” ―School Library Journal online

“...This is a true collaboration. One that mixes history, animals, mystery, and literary references in abundance. Kids of all ages, genders, and stripes will take to the book. It also happens to make for a handsome read-aloud. Recommend it to any child looking for just a good read. It is, precisely, that.” ―School Library Journal online, Fuse Eight blog

“...Solid messages about friendship, loyalty, and being true to oneself are nevertheless effectively conveyed, and readers will likely enjoy the primary animal story, while historical fiction fans will appreciate the Victorian atmosphere. Moser's softly shaded graphite illustrations, appearing in vignette spot art throughout, offer personable portraits, especially strong in their depictions of the animal characters.” ―Center of the Bulletin for Children’s Books

“...'The Cheshire Cheese Cat' is a fun read at any age, but quite the pick for cat lovers with a crossover into historical fiction.” ―Midwest Book Review

“Parent lit geeks take note: In a different spin on the classics, The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale is a Dickensian labyrinth of a story following a cheese loving cat and his mouse friend Pip.” ―Parents' Choice blog

“...any reader will devour this story of how an alley cat named Skilley moves into a popular London inn, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, and develops a highly unlikely friendship with a mouse name Pip...In short, punchy chapters, authors Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright tell a rollicking tale of friendship and skullduggery. Another bonus: Barry Moser's expressive line drawings, which are scattered throughout the book.” ―Scripps News

“...wonderfully entertaining for readers of all ages, with charming illustrations...The story is accessible without being condescending, and frequently uses phrases or words that are quite advanced...The Cheshire Cheese Cat blends history, mysteries, animals, and literary references together wonderfully, and I recommend this read to children of all ages, genders, and interests. It is simply a good read with a little something for everyone.” ―Associated Content

“From the start 'The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale' borrows from Charles Dickens to pull young readers into a story about an unlikely friendship between a cat and a mouse who share the secrets of an English pub...Readers new to Dickens will enjoy the twists in this lively tale, while those who've read the writer's works will enjoy its Dickensian setting and spirit.” ―The Chicago Sun-Times

“...With many likable characters, a couple of enjoyably despicable ones, and a lovingly depicted period setting, this eventful chapter book has plenty to offer young readers...” ―Booklist online

39,000 COPIES of the hardcover sold to date

CHARMING CHARACTERS and compelling story with lots of kid appeal

ENTICING THEMES of loyalty and friendship

GREAT SETTING in Victorian England, connection with Dickens

BESTSELLING AUTHOR: first middle reader fiction by Carmen Agra Deedy in collaboration with author Randall Wright

STUNNING ARTWORK by award-winning illustrator Barry Moser