The White Cat and the Monk by Jo Ellen Bogart

The White Cat and the Monk

by Jo Ellen Bogart

An enchanting retelling of a classic Old Irish poem, brought beautifully to life by the award-winning Sydney Smith, illustrator of Footpath Flowers.

From the illustrator of Footpath Flowers, Sydney Smith, and award-winning author, Jo Ellen Bogart, comes a retelling of the classic Old Irish poem, 'Pangur Ban' - the poem that inspired the character of Pangur Ban in the Academy Award nominated animation, The Secret of Kells. The monk in the poem leads a simple life - he studies his books late into the evening, searching for meaning. His cat, Pangur, leads a simple life, too, chasing his prey in the darkness. But as night turns to dawn, can each find what he seeks? Thoughtful readers will be enchanted by this elegant, classically-inspired story which pays tribute to the wisdom of animals and the wonders of the natural world.

Reviewed by wyvernfriend on

5 of 5 stars

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I absolutely love this retelling of Pangur Bán, the illustrations are remarkably complex for all that they are simple and I want a copy for me.

It's a short marginalia about a monk comparing his life to his white cat, they both hunt; him for meaning in texts and the cat for mice, without the cat the manuscripts could be destroyed and he enjoys the companionship.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 4 November, 2016: Finished reading
  • 4 November, 2016: Reviewed