Able Seacat Simon: The Wartime Hero of the High Seas Paperback – 24 May 2021

Hello from the USA. I love this book. Ever since I first learned about Able SeaCat Simon I have read all I could find on the Internet. This book was like a special gift to me! In fact I couldn't wait for the US release so I ordered from Amazon UK and it came to me from 'overseas' just like Simon! The author has done a masterful job in imagining Simon's own thoughts and impressions and the narrative is totally believable, the writing is moving and intelligent--nothing childish. You can tell she has done extensive research. This is a book you lose yourself in. I felt like I was on board the ship myself at times, right beside our little feline hero. You will laugh and cry and cheer, from the opening lines to the bittersweet and touching conclusion. I own a lot of e-books but this is one where you want the hardcover, to touch and handle and cherish for years to come. Get this book, you will love it too.

This is the most amazing and touching tale, told magically through the eyes and thoughts of the cat. It matters not it is a story (true) about a military event in 1949, the author, Lynne Barrett-Lee has the most extraordinary imagination, understanding and humour to have Simon, who was awarded the Dicken Medal (animal VC), tell the story. There is laughter and sadness (tissues at the ready) but the depth of her research to portray the actual events Through Simon is stunning. This wonderful tale is an experience for both adults and children. I was 7 years old when my Primary school class went aboard HMS Amethyst, after it had returned to Hong Kong badly damaged from the Yangtse Incident, for essential repairs, and I remember going up a gangplank, through a big jagged hole in the side of the ship to get on deck. Sadly I didn't see Simon! I truly believe the author should be recognised for a prestigious award for this unique book.

I loved this book and especially enjoyed the story told from a cats point of view. I never knew the story of HMS Amethyst until I read this...... what a wonderful connection this cat had with his human companions and how useful he was to them catching vermin on ship. Simon was a brave loyal cat who deserved his medals and place in feline history. Such a shame the Royal Navy stopped allowing ships cats in the 1970's.......... the ending although sad was so beautifully written xxx

This story came to light after we had purchased 'A Street Cat Named Bob' and as we had both enjoyed that so much we decided to give this a try too. It's a good read and an interesting story told from through the eyes of the cat itself, but don't let that put you off. There is a real mix of both the happy and the sad, but that feeling those emotions are part of what makes it such a worthwhile read. Interestingly, Able Sea Cat Simon is the only cat to be awarded the PDSA’s Dickin Medal (the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross) - what a little hero!

I read this on kindle a while ago and I couldn't put it down! very well written and being from the cat's point of view was just the icing on the cake. I Thought my friend, who is a massive animal lover but doesn't have a kindle would love it. So I bought the hardback as a seasonal gift ( she doesn't really do Christmas) and she was thrilled to get it. I hope she enjoys it as much as I did. I've since been looking for more written in a similar way.

This book was a joy to read and i loved every minute of it. Written from the POV of Simon the cat, who was a real life war hero, it was a captivating read, and I would highly recommend it.

This was a Christmas present for my daughter. She is away on holiday at the moment, but I will hear from her when she gets back about herthoughts on the book. My friend also has a copy and she recommended it to me, so I am sure it will be an excellent book.

This is a wonderful book based on a true story. There are a lot of historical facts which I did not know about. Very interesting and a fantastic story. Highly recommended.

I liked that the story as written with the cat's point of view and experience. It was so well written, and the historical facts shows that the human author did her homework. I would recommend this story to anyone. My husband asked me about the story and he is going to read it too.

Able Seacat Simon non è stato pubblicato in Italia , non ancora. Felice di aver fatto lo sforzo di leggere in inglese. Bellissima storia, molto toccante. Consigliatissimo, agli amanti dei gatti e non solo.

I read this with my son (Almost 4 but who loves books and stories more than almost anything) as his first "Chapter Book" and he loved it. I loved it too. The ending was gentle enough for young kids, although I was worried, knowing how the story ends historically.

Un très bon livre sur Simon le chat !Pour tous ceux qui aiment les animaux...de compagnie.Une bonne biographie, pour que personne n'oublie ce courageux chat.

The book went into the library for others to read. I found this book in The Centralia Sentinel from Centralia, Illinois. The brief story was in there with pictures. I knew thart I had to get it. Everyone is raving about it.